Against two top-five opponents, Texas and Oregon, Michigan has lost by decisive margins at home. The Buckeyes are on the same level as those teams, and they’re champing at the bit to slay the Wolverines. They’ll get the job done in the Horseshoe on Saturday. But Michigan will stay alive for a while. The pick: Ohio State 31, U-M 13.

Ohio State football remains No. 2 in College Football Playoff rankings This year marks the first time since 2017 that the Wolverines have been unranked entering The Game. Their five losses at this point in a season are also their most in a decade.