We’ve finally arrived at The Game week. After last season’s National Championship run, Buckeye fans circled three games on the 2025 schedule that would define our quest to go back-to-back: Texas, Penn State, and, of course, Michigan—the Team Up North.

Ohio State handled Texas in Week 1, with Julian Sayin settling in as the new starting quarterback and the defense proving elite, holding the Longhorns to just 7 points. Penn State, meanwhile, unraveled after their early loss to Oregon, leading to the firing of James Franklin (who quickly landed at Virginia Tech, where ten wins a season earns you a statue). Now, all eyes turn to Michigan, who has beaten the Buckeyes every year since 2021, derailing our Big Ten Championship hopes each time.

A win this Saturday would redeem those heartbreaks and likely set up a #1 vs. #2 showdown with Indiana in Indianapolis, with the winner earning a first-round bye and a trip to the Rose Bowl. But first, business must be handled in Ann Arbor.

1. Will Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate Play?
Ohio State’s offense is loaded, but the absence of star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate was felt in the last two games. Against Rutgers, Julian Sayin relied heavily on tight end Max Klare, and the Buckeyes ran the ball nearly 40 times per game. Was this load management, or are Smith and Tate truly banged up? Smith has missed a game and a half, while Tate has been out for three. Both were seen walking without a limp last week, but their status remains uncertain.

With Smith (902 yards, 10 TDs) and Tate (711 yards, 7 TDs) on the field, Ohio State’s offense is at its best. Without them, the Buckeyes are still talented enough to win, but the margin narrows—especially against a Michigan defense ranked top-10 nationally in yards allowed. The initial spread favors Ohio State by 13, but their health could swing the outcome.

2. Does Michigan Let Underwood Run?
Michigan’s offense has been resilient, even with injuries at running back. Last week against Maryland, the Wolverines rushed for over 200 yards despite being down to their third-string back. Quarterback Bryce Underwood added 215 passing yards and 20 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

Ohio State hasn’t faced a true running quarterback since Washington in September, and Underwood’s mobility could be Michigan’s X-factor. Expect the Wolverines to mix in tight end passes and clock-chewing run plays, a formula that’s frustrated the Buckeyes in recent years. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will need to scheme effectively to get Michigan off the field and let the Buckeye offense dictate the tempo. Ohio State’s defense, ranked #1 nationally in points allowed will be tested.

3. Has Ryan Day Changed?
Last year’s loss to Michigan as an 18-point favorite—and the postgame brawl at midfield—still stings. The players-only meeting that followed set the tone for a championship run, with a renewed focus on playing to the team’s strengths rather than stubbornly running into a stacked box.

Ryan Day’s record is stellar, but the Michigan streak has cast a shadow over his tenure. This season, Ohio State has dominated opponents, holding the #1 ranking since the Texas win and outscoring teams by an average of 22 points. Day has shifted rivalry week activities, like band practice, to the second bye week to keep the team focused solely on The Game.

This week, Day emphasized that preparation remains consistent, but the rivalry is always in the back of their minds. The Buckeyes are hungry to end the losing streak, reclaim the gold pants, and reset the rivalry.

Final Thoughts
The stakes couldn’t be higher. With a healthy roster, a focused coaching staff, and a defense that’s been lights out all season, Ohio State is poised to flip the script. The road to Indianapolis and another shot at the National Championship runs through Ann Arbor. Here’s to hoping the Buckeyes end the streak and start a new chapter in this storied rivalry.

Photo Credit: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images