Game Thread: Michigan Football vs. Ohio State

Fresh off a commanding 45-20 win over Maryland, the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (9-2) return to the Big House for the biggest game of the season — and perhaps the biggest game of the Sherrone Moore era — as they prepare to take on No. 1 Ohio State (11-0).

The Buckeyes have steamrolled nearly every team on their schedule, boasting the nation’s most efficient defense and one of college football’s most explosive passing attacks. Quarterback Julian Sayin and star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate headline an offense that ranks second in the Big Ten in passing yardage and leads the nation in completion percentage.

Michigan, meanwhile, enters rivalry week riding a five-game winning streak and clinging to hopes of sneaking into the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines have won four straight against Ryan Day and company — tied for their longest streak since the late 1980s— but are underdogs once again.

Still, Michigan holds a 62-55-3 lead in the overall series and hasn’t lost at home this season.

Teams: No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 15 Michigan WolverinesDate: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MIKickoff: 12:14 p.m. ETTelevision: FOXStream: FOX Sports AppSpread: Michigan +9.5; O/U: 46.0

Michigan’s identity this season has centered on its defense — a Top-20 unit nationally that has consistently leaned on its run-stopping and red zone composure to win close games. But Saturday presents a challenge unlike any other. Ohio State has:

• The No. 1 scoring defense (7.6 points per game allowed)

• The No. 1 pass defense

• The No. 2 run defense

• An offense averaging nearly 280 passing yards per game

Sayin has thrown for 2,832 yards, 27 touchdowns and just four interceptions while completing an absurd 79.4 percent of his passes. Jeremiah Smith (902 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Carnell Tate are elite receiving threats, while true freshman running back Bo Jackson anchors the ground game.

For Michigan, the formula in this rivalry remains unchanged — win the line of scrimmage, minimize explosive plays and keep turnovers off the stat sheet. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has shown steady growth, entering the matchup with 2,166 passing yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. The Wolverines expect Jordan Marshall to return after missing last week with a shoulder issue, giving the offense a much-needed jolt against one of the country’s toughest defenses on paper.

Offensively, the Wolverines will need to establish a rhythm early and prevent Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia — whose unit thrives on variety — from dictating the game’s tempo.

With Michigan still hanging by a thread in the Big Ten title race and the College Football Playoff picture, the stakes could not be higher. A win would give the Wolverines five straight in the rivalry — something they haven’t achieved since the 1920s — and potentially launch them into the postseason. A loss, and Michigan’s season shifts to a consolation bowl.

Either way, The Game once again arrives with a ton on the line.