3 Bold Predictions for Ohio State vs Michigan for 'The Game' 2019
By Sean Facey
The Game is back (though perhaps not better than ever)! This year's titanic Big Ten matchup pits the undefeated, No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes against the No. 13 Michigan Wolverines team at the Big House in Ann Arbor. OSU has gotten the better of the Maize and Blue seven years running, including a massive 62-39 win last year. It's not impossible for the Wolverines to keep it close, but with the odds not in their favor, let's make three prognostications about the grand annual rivalry.
1. Justin Fields Throws 4 Touchdowns
Justin Fields has been one of the most explosive quarterbacks in all of college football this year, and Saturday's rivalry game is going to be no different. Even with his ankle bothering him, he's got the arm to make a difference out on the gridiron. He'll torch Michigan's defense for four touchdowns through the air, giving him his fifth four-TD game of the season.
2. Shea Patterson Turns the Ball Over Twice
In this QB battle, Shea Patterson's shortcomings will become glaringly obvious. Whether it's Chase Young's relentless pressure or the stout Buckeyes secondary, Patterson will cough the ball up at least two times. He struggled against Wisconsin and Penn Sate, and it's reasonable to assume that he's going to put forth his shakiest effort of the season against a true title contender.
3. Ohio State Wins By At Least 24
Make no mistake: these two squads are not on the same level this year, and it's not close. The Buckeyes are going to run the Wolverines out of their own house on Saturday, winning by at least 24 points, topping the margin of last year's beatdown. Ohio State's stellar offense will be too much for Michigan to overcome, and Harbaugh will have to wait yet another year to earn his first win over the Buckeyes.