Top 5 matchups for Week 14 of the 2024 college football season
3. Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State – Saturday, Noon ET, FOX
The rivalry known as 鈥淭he Game鈥� between Michigan and Ohio State is one of the best in college football. This year鈥檚 contest doesn鈥檛 hold the same weight as it has recently, but it is still significant, particularly for the Buckeyes as they aim to secure a spot in the Big Ten championship game and solidify their playoff status.
The Wolverines and Buckeyes have played 118 times since 1897 and every year since 1918 outside of the Covid-impacted 2020 campaign. Michigan leads the series with a record of 61-51-4 against the Buckeyes, and the Wolverines are riding high with three straight wins after Ohio State had rattled off victories in 15 of 16 years prior.
Michigan鈥檚 momentum could come to a halt on Saturday as three-touchdown underdogs, but the Wolverines should feel good after putting up 50 points on Northwestern in Week 13, their first game scoring more than 38 points all season. The 6-5 Wolverines haven鈥檛 been near the level they were at last year, but four of their five losses have come to ranked opponents: Texas, Illinois, Oregon and Indiana. Michigan maintains a solid defense that ranks 23rd in the country, but the issue has been a lowly offense that ranks just 128th out of 133 FBS teams.
Davis Warren will need to play a career-best game to have a chance in Columbus. The Buckeyes feature the top-ranked defense in the country as they have allowed just 12 offensive touchdowns and only 241 yards per contest. Their 10th-ranked scoring offense has also been strong behind Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith and impressed in the Buckeyes鈥� Week 13 win over Indiana. Ohio State looks poised for a playoff run and a win for Ryan Day over Michigan would be a nice momentum boost.
