The defense needs to show up if Ohio State’s going to beat Michigan again

Last week, the No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes gave up 51 points to the Maryland Terrapins offense that ranks 83rd in Offensive S&P+.

This week, they play against the best offense and defense that they’ll see during the regular season.

Welp.

On this episode of the Hangout in the Holy Land, Patrick Mayhorn and I preview The Game, quake in fear about the Michigan Wolverines preparing to dice up this defense, and talk about why there are going to be major changes at Ohio State after Saturday, whether they win or lose.

Show notes

1:27- Our confidence level for Saturday is pretty low

3:52- Why neither team can afford a loss, and why the pressure is on Michigan to win

8:50- Being scared about Michigan game-planning for the Ohio State defense

12:40- Michigan’s going to test the middle of the field often

16:30- The defensive line is probably going to have to carry this one

19:50- Using screens as an extension of the run game

26:30- Need the wide receivers to win one-on-one match-ups

30:50- Our predictions

40:00- A basketball update (including those sick throwbacks)