Jack Sawyer is a grizzled veteran when it comes to The Game, and he’s only felt pain from it.

Ohio State’s star defensive end has never tasted victory against Michigan. The Wolverines have turned the tables on the Buckeyes with 3 straight victories in the rivalry after Ohio State won the previous 8 showdowns.

This Saturday afternoon in Columbus brings 1 more shot for the senior Sawyer to be on the right side of the rivalry for a change and help keep the Buckeyes on course for a College Football Playoff berth. That means this particular edition of Michigan-Ohio State means just a little bit more to Sawyer and OSU, if that was ever possible.

And did we mention that Sawyer is an Ohio native from Pickerington who is a team captain?

“It would mean everything,” Sawyer said. “This is the reason why we come to Ohio State. … This is what you do it for, these games.”

Sawyer, who has 42 tackles — 18 of them solo — 4.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries this season, is also aware of what a win would mean for head coach Ryan Day.

“No one deserves this win more than he does,” said Sawyer.

Michigan might limp into Columbus with a 6-5 record, but the Wolverines are the defending national champions and, well, it’s The Game, so nothing is for certain. ESPN’s FPI matchup predictor, however, believes that Sawyer will finally have his moment against Michigan, giving 10-1 Ohio State a whopping 91.8% chance to end its 3-game losing streak in the rivalry.