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Posted at 10:30 AM EST.

12:00 PM EST. Ohio State/Michigan is one of the most historic and potent rivalries in college football history. We do not need to speak of the stored animosity between these two programs because it has already achieved global recognition. The Wolverines, once a favorite, have now become a marginal home pup against their most hated foe and that prompts us to step in.

After last week’s crushing loss at home to Michigan State, the mindset in Columbus has become all the more grim. The most mentionable headline is the dissension in the Buckeyes ranks with stud running back Ezekiel Elliot declaring the loss as “his last home game in the Horseshoe”. Elliot showed no restraint in criticizing coach Urban Meyer for his play calling throughout the course of the game against Michigan State and it has created a bit of a domino effect. The loss opened the door for Michigan State to win the Big 10 East outright if the Spartans were to win today against Penn State. In addition, the Michigan squad that Ohio State is traveling to face can also win the Big 10 East with a win and Michigan State loss. In essence, many analysts speculate the loss to Michigan State has all but dashed Ohio State’s title defense and College Football Playoff hopes in one foul swoop and as we have highlighted, the sentiment has been left to marinade within the Ohio State program.

If there was ever a wrong time for Ohio State to lose any bit of spirit, it would be now as they ready themselves for a showdown against a hated nemesis. Nevertheless, given the resurrection of the Michigan program under Coach Jim Harbaugh, it is never a better time to side with the Wolverines. This squad has come a long way from their opening game loss to Utah. Michigan is now showcasing a new brand of defensive supremacy, as three consecutive shutouts will attest to. Given Ohio State’s inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball this season and their toils at the quarterback position, Michigan’s defense is in line to have a field day. Even if Michigan fails to win the Big 10 East, a victory will substantiate their resume for a New Year’s Six Bowl game and will shut the door on any faint playoff prospects for Ohio State. That in itself is more than enough motivation to fuel this revamped Wolverines team. Michigan outright is the call. 

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