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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michael Chen

Position by position breakdown: Who has the advantage Ohio State or Michigan?

Another edition of “The Game” has Ohio State heading north to face Michigan in a top-three matchup with not just conference implications, but also massive national ones.

It’s a de facto College Football Playoff elimination game: The loser most likely will be on the outside looking in when the second to last rankings are announced next Tuesday. This is due to so many one-loss teams being ranked right behind the top five.

Both teams are similar, so let’s take a look at each position group and figure out who has the advantage, starting with the most important position in all of football, the quarterback.

Quarterback: JJ McCarthy or Kyle McCord

Who has the advantage?

Both are very similar. Neither has been asked to do too much. Statistically almost exactly the same. McCord has thrown for a few more yards and touchdowns, while McCarthy has completed his attempts at a higher level. One of these two has a distinct advantage, home cooking. It’s that close.

Verdict: Michigan

Running back: Blake Corum / Donovan Edwards or TreVeyon Henderson

Who has the advantage?

Corum leads the country in rushing scores, while Edwards isn’t nearly as effective as he was last year. Aside from the scoring, Corum hasn’t produced like 2022 either, but it may be due to the injury he suffered last year. He’s logged 26 and then 28 carries in their last two games. Henderson has come on as of late, also returning from an injury. He’s looked like the most explosive of the group.

Verdict: Ohio State

Wide receivers

Who has the advantage?

This one is pretty easy, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are both viewed as first-round NFL draft picks for Ohio State. Michigan’s Roman Wilson is a solid player, who should also get drafted, but not nearly as high as the two Buckeyes.

Verdict: Ohio State

Offensive line

Who has the advantage?

One group has won back-to-back Joe Moore Award’s, the other hasn’t. The Michigan line has played well this season again, making the awards semifinal list. Although the Buckeyes unit didn’t get that recognition, it’s been playing better.

Verdict: Michigan

Tight end: Colston Loveland or Cade Stover

Who has the advantage?

Another tight battle, the two players have similar statistics on the season. Both are very important to their respective offenses. Cade Stover has five scores and 534 yards, while Loveland has four touchdowns with 462 yards. Each is their quarterback’s security blanket. This one is too close to call.

 Verdict: Push

Defensive line

Who has the advantage?

The Wolverines have multiple players with more than three sacks on the defensive line, led by Jaylen Harrell with 5.5 on the year. The production is spread out and impressive. The Buckeyes don’t get to the quarterback as much, but the line has played at a high level. Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau have been great all season, as has the interior play of Tyleik Williams.

Verdict: Push

Linebackers

Who has the advantage?

The Wolverines’ top three tacklers are in this group, while the Buckeyes’ top two are, much of that due to scheme. Michigan’s Junior Colson could play for the majority of Power Five schools. Michael Barrett is the big play maker, two sack, three forced fumbles and two recoveries. The Buckeyes get Tommy Eichenberg back, while Steele Chambers has been very solid all season.

Verdict: Push

Secondary

Who has the advantage?

For the Wolverines, Mike Sainristil has played at an All-American level, while Will Johnson and Keon Sabb have done well. The Buckeyes secondary as a whole has been, but without a key contributor in Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke has returned to an elite level of play. Again, this one is very close.

Verdict: Push

Special Teams

Who has the advantage?

Michigan averages more than half of what Ohio State does on the punt returns, while the Buckeyes are a little better at returning kickoffs. Wolverine place kicker James Turner has been automatic inside the 40, and solid outside of that. The Buckeyes’ counterpart, Jayden Fielding, is almost identical with his tries, and perfect from inside the 40 as well.

Verdict: Michigan

Conclusion

Final thoughts

Not counting the pushes, Michigan has the lead 3-2. This game is going to be extremely close, the first time all year that I can’t make up my mind about how the game is going to play out. Expect a fantastic game on Saturday afternoon.

Contact/Follow @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on X.

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