I love the strength against strength matchups in this game. Michigan's offensive resurgence has come about as they have been more aggressive throwing the ball downfield to their tremendous receivers. That strategy would come right into the teeth of the Buckeye's defense, which plays a lot of cover 3 zone with four guys who will get drafted, plus one of the top pass rushes in the country. The Buckeyes are second in the nation in sacks, TFLs, and first in passing yards given up per game. They've also given up the fewest plays over 10 yards in the country.
Will Michigan keep chucking it? Or try to run the ball and get it to their tight ends? I think Ronnie Bell is in for a big game, as he gets the underneath stuff for Michigan as teams defend all their deep threats. That won't work all game - eventually OSU will get guys in different places and snag a pick, like we saw against Penn State. This will be a fun strategy to watch.
Conversely, Don Brown operates on the theory of being aggressive on defense. However, he is playing a lot more cover 2 on the back end this year, and mixing up coverages is a vital piece of attacking OSU this year. Michigan doesn't have the pass rush of OSU, but they are great at maintaining discipline and shrinking the pocket. Fields is slow on the trigger and will take a sack rather than force a ball, and he's been sacked plenty of times. If Michigan can slow down the run game and also contain Fields from running, they will be in great shape. OSU loves throwing down field, but that will be tougher against a Cover 2 scheme that takes away a lot of routes. I didn't think OSU reacted well against Penn State's aggressiveness last week - there were shorter routes they could have gotten instead of always looking downfield. If they can't take what's given against Michigan, could be in for a long game.
