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Kirk Herbstreit gives preview of Michigan-Ohio State
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In case you’re new to college football, Saturday’s game between Michigan and Ohio State is kind of a big one. Actually, it is the big one.
The rivalry game is the premier matchup in college football every year, regardless of records or implications. But this year, there’s even more significance riding on “The Game.”
For the winner, a trip to the B1G Championship Game and a top 10 victory added to the College Football Playoff resumé. For the loser, it’ll be wait-and-see Sunday to find out where it’ll be playing a bowl game. For the second time in three years, there could be national championship implications.
During ESPN’s Get Up! college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit previewed the colossal matchup between the B1G powers.
“They’re underdogs this week,” Herbstreit said. “If a rivalry game at home when you’re an underdog doesn’t get you to bring their best, nothing can. One week, it’s their pass defense. Next week it’s, boy, they can’t seem to play inspired or together as a unit on defense. But if anything can bring that out, it’s a rivalry.
“The defense seems to bring more emotion and love for one another in (these games) and proves everybody wrong, At the end of the day, I don’t know if it’s good enough. Even if they do bring that game, is it good enough to beat a very determined Michigan football team?”
Ohio State is coming off one of the worst defensive performances in program history. Though the Buckeyes posted a 52-51 win over Maryland, they surrendered more than 500 yards of offense and the Terrapins ripped off several huge plays throughout the game.
Michigan wasn’t perfect last week, either. The Wolverines made seven trips inside the red zone against Indiana, but reached the end zone just once.
Both teams were in a trap-game scenario, so it’s understandable why neither looked crisp. But those performances have left several questions about both teams. Ohio State’s defensive issues have stretched throughout most of the season though, which is why it’s the bigger area of concern.
“Michigan has show potential vulnerability, but in my opinion, they have not played with the same edge against Rutgers and Indiana,” Herbstreit said. “They did play that way against Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin. That’s the Michigan team that will show up Saturday in Columbus. Very focused. You can feel the ‘me’ around this team. This team is on a mission so we’ll see if Ohio State can match that enthusiasm Saturday.”
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB