No. 2 Ohio States plays No. 3 Michigan with a lot at stake Saturday

COLUMBUS — When No. 2 Ohio State plays No. 3 Michigan at Ohio Stadium in Columbus Saturday afternoon, there will be a lot at stake.

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Both teams are 11-0 overall, 8-0 in the Big Ten. The winner of The Game will advance to the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis Dec. 3 and keep their hopes for a national championship alive.

However, a scenario could also exist that Saturday’s loser could still be in the final standings of the College Football Playoff rankings when they are released on Dec. 4.

“When you lose this game, it’s a tough year,” said Ohio State head Ryan Day. “There’s no hiding from that.”

Michigan beat Ohio State, 42-27, in 2021 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

“It’s like two superheroes going at each other,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said.

Day said last year’s loss motivated the team all offseason.

“Now it’s time to go prepare the best we can, and that’s we’re going to focus on physically, mentally and emotionally, to go play the hardest game we’ve ever played,” he said.

>>Ohio State remains No. 2 in both AP, Coaches Top 25 polls heading into Michigan game

As for Michigan, Harbaugh called his players “happy warriors on a happy mission,” after earning his victory in six tries against the Buckeyes.

“I think you’re going to find we’re made of the right stuff,” he said.

Both teams are battling injuries coming into The Game.

Michigan running back Blake Corum injured his left knee in last week’s win over Illinois. He says his knee is fine and expected to play, according to our news partner WBNS TV in Columbus.

As for Ohio State, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan WIlliams have battled injuries all season. Henderson left last week’s win at Maryland and was wearing a walking boot on the sideline, WBNS says. Williams did not dress for the game. Both players’ status is unknown.

Kickoff between Ohio State and Michigan is at 12 noon.

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