Saturday’s matchup marks the first time since the 2006 Michigan vs Ohio State game that both rivals are undefeated and land in the top four of the college football rankings. If that isn’t enough a spot in the College Football Playoff 2022-’23 and the Heisman Trophy could be at stake.
Before diving into our Wolverines vs Buckeyes preview and bold predictions, here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s matchup.
Michigan vs Ohio State 2022 info
- When: Saturday, November 26
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- TV Info: FOX
- Spread: Ohio State, -7.5
The first Michigan vs Ohio State game was played on Oct. 16, 1897, a 36-0 victory for the Wolverines. They would go on to win 15 consecutive matchups against their rival, but the all-time series is much closer now with Michigan holding a 59-51-6 advantage.
Before the Week 13 college football schedule begins, let’s dive into our Michigan vs Ohio State preview followed by our predictions.
Key matchups to watch
Blake Corum vs Ohio State Buckeyes’ run defense
If you want to know just how important running back Blake Corum is to the Wolverines’ offense, look no further than Week 12. The Heisman candidate erupted on the opening drive for a 37-yard run and then punched into the end zone from the 2-yard line, finishing the series with 44 yards.
On Michigan’s next possession, Corum received four touches and turned them into a combined 45 scrimmage yards. The Wolverines ended that series in a punt, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy throwing one incompletion and recovering his own fumble.
Illinois – the sixth-best run defense in the FBS (96.1 rush ypg) – contained the Doak Walker award finalist on the next two drives, but Michigan also limited his workload with just four touches. Corum erupted again late in the second quarter, gaining 36 yards on his first four touches.
Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury that caused his fumble inside the red zone and the Fighting Illini recovered. After he left the game, the Wolverines’ never returned to the end zone in a 19-17 victory. Based on Corum’s comments at a charity event he hosted, he should play Saturday.
Assuming Corum is healthy, he draws another challenging matchup. Ohio State ranks 13th in the FBS against the run, surrendering just 107.9 rush ypg. However, context plays an important role in that figure.