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ESPN’s FPI predicts narrow winner in ‘The Game’
By Paul Harvey
Published:
There will be a lot at stake when the Wolverines and Buckeyes square off in the 2018 edition of “The Game.”
Saturday’s rivalry matchup between Ohio State and Michigan will be one of the best in the country to end the season. Ranked No. 4 on the CFB Playoff rankings, the mission is clear for the Wolverines. Beat the Buckeyes, win the B1G Championship Game, and go to the Playoff. The first step is for Jim Harbaugh to get the monkey off his back with a win over Ohio State.
For the No. 10 Buckeyes, the path to the Playoff is a bit cloudier. It is possible they could win out and miss the final four. However, a win over Michigan would be a huge boost while also stamping a ticket to the B1G Championship Game. Winning the B1G with one loss would have to guarantee a New Year’s Six Bowl at the very least.
As the two teams get ready to battle it out on the field, ESPN’s Football Power Index released a prediction for the game. According to the FPI, Michigan is given a 54.3% chance of taking down Ohio State. While being favored is good, that is a slim margin for a tough road game in a crazy rivalry.
Who do you think wins the annual showdown? Will Urban Meyer continue his dominance of the Wolverines, or will Harbaugh finally get his first victory over the Buckeyes as Michigan’s head coach? Kickoff is set for 12 pm EST on FOX.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.