Three Keys for Buckeyes in The Game against Michigan

COLUMBUS — This is not just a game between Ohio State and Michigan. This is The Game, and more than just a mark in the win column is on the line.

It goes without saying, but legacies are defined on winning — or losing — The Game. Legends are born out it, and the respectful hate runs deep.

Lettermen Row fully understands that this game means a lot more than just what happens on the field. But we’re still breaking down the matchups and the Three Keys to what Ohio State needs to do to finally get back on the winning side of the rivalry. Let’s dive in.

Third downs will decide The Game

The Buckeyes have converted on 43 percent of their third downs this season. Michigan is No. 97 nationally in third down defense, a bad mark for a defense that is littered with talent. If Ohio State stays on track with its offense and converts on third down, the offense will be successful.

Conversely, Ohio State is No. 19 nationally in third down conversion defense, a good mark for a good defense. Michigan is No. 49 nationally in third down conversion offense.

If the Buckeyes convert on third down and get off the field when Michigan has third down, they’ll win the game with ease. It’s really as simple as that.

Buckeyes must limit damage from Michigan defensive front

The Wolverines have the best defensive line Ohio State has seen all year. Defensive tackles Mason Graham (seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks), Kenneth Grant (six TFLs, three sacks) and Rayshaun Benny (four TFLs, 1.5 sacks) are ultra-disruptive along the interior of the defensive line — especially Graham and Grant. Josiah Stewart (13 TFLs, 8.5 sacks), TJ Guy (six TFLs, 5.5 sacks) and Derrick Moore (four TFLs, two sacks) give them an elite trio of edge rushers. And this offensive line is the biggest question about Ohio State right now.

Ohio State has been forced to dip into its depth as left tackles Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski and center Seth McLaughlin have all suffered long-term injuries. It hasn’t been an easy year for the Buckeyes in the trenches — but they’ve made it all work with what they have.

This game against arch rival Michigan, though, is the ultimate test. Sure, Ohio State nearly beat Oregon without Simmons for three quarters and a banged up Tegra Tshabola. The Buckeyes beat both Penn State on the road while allowing just two sacks and an aggressive Indiana team at home while keeping quarterback Will Howard clean all game.

Ohio State must play with emotion, not let emotion play with it

Ohio State is entering the most emotional game of the year. The Buckeyes are favored in it by three scores. Play well, they’ll win. Play too emotional and tight, and Michigan will hang around.

It’s paramount that the Buckeyes carry their emotions into the game, play with emotion — but not go overboard with it.

“This game is a war, and any time there’s a war, there are consequences and casualties, and then there’s the plunder and the rewards that come with it. That’s what it is. As we all say and I said in my [introductory] press conference, the No. 1 job is to win this game, so that’s the focus right now. I don’t want to get too much into the past, because we’re just focused on right now and we’ve worked really hard to get to this point.”