Overview
- No. 1 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) visits No. 15 Michigan (9-2, 7-1) on Saturday at Michigan Stadium in a rivalry game with Big Ten championship paths and College Football Playoff implications.
- Ryan Day said “fun is kicking ass” and labeled Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood a dangerous player as he praised the Wolverines’ talent across offense, defense and special teams.
- Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin leads the nation in completion percentage and passer rating, and Matt Patricia’s defense sits atop major rankings, including total and scoring defense.
- Injury outlook: Ohio State receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were expected to get practice reps toward a possible return, while Michigan will be without RB Justice Haynes and S Rod Moore and is hopeful on several others.
- Off the field, the schools detailed plans to manage the single-tunnel logistics and separate teams, and Nick Saban’s comments about Ohio State fan intensity drew fresh attention to the rivalry’s emotions.