Major Analyst Explains How Michigan Football Will Beat Ohio State

This weekend, No. 2 Michigan football (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) and No. 3 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0) will go head to head in an epic clash for the Big Ten title and a likely spot in the College Football Playoff. Ahead of the massive contest, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy — one of the top names in college football media — made his pick, siding with the Wolverines to win it in interesting fashion.

Michigan football and Ohio State ready to face off

Both Michigan football and Ohio State know what is at stake this weekend, and while the Wolverines and Buckeyes have done their fair share of scoring throughout the season, Greg McElroy knows that both schools play better defense than anything. Against strong defensive teams, such as Penn State, U-M and OSU scored 24 and 20 points, respectively.

ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy picks the Maize and Blue to win this weekend

With both JJ McCarthy and Kyle McCord looking a little banged up after Week 12 contests, Greg McElroy of ESPN believes that this weekend’s game will be a nail-biter, though he is still rolling with Michigan football to win it.

“I think Michigan wins the game, but I think it’s going to be a close one,” McElroy explained. “And I’m thinking nailbiter. And I’m thinking low scoring. 21-17, 17-14, 24-21, in that vicinity. Low scoring, great defense, two coaches that want to play ball control.”

Position to watch: offensive tackle

But what will be this weekend’s deciding factor? As we have seen all year, the Michigan football offensive line, much like that of Ohio State, has flaws at tackle. That said, if the Wolverines can keep the pressure off of JJ McCarthy and allow Sherrone Moore to open up the playbook, Michigan will be in good shape to down the Buckeyes.

“I’ll be watching both sets of tackles — both Michigan’s and Ohio State’s — against the defensive lines they’ll be facing,” Greg McElroy added.

‘The Game,’ as it’s called, is just two days away. A win would send Michigan to a third-straight Big Ten title game, likely coupled with a third College Football Playoff appearance and more to go along with it. A loss would essentially end Michigan’s season, sending the team to a regular New Year’s Six bowl game with non-playoff value and implications.

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