With Michigan manhandling Maryland, the focus for the Wolverines moves to their biggest rival. The world will watch Michigan host Ohio State in Week 13 as two of the nation’s top-four teams fight to represent the conference in the Big Ten title game and likely the College Football Playoff. Michigan has won The Game two years in a row.
Even when both teams are bad, this matchup matters as much as any. This might be the last time the stakes are so high, though, as the College Football Playoff expands from four teams to 12 next year. The loser of this matchup will be shut out from competing for the National Championship this season.
The Wolverines are already missing head coach Jim Harbaugh due to his three-game suspension. The sign-stealing scandal has galvanized the players and cost the program some of its coaching talent. Beating the Buckeyes will get even more difficult if Wilson can’t play.
Wilson was shut out of any receptions in last year’s matchup but caught two passes for 55 yards in 2021. He’s produced no less than 56 yards or a touchdown in each game this year, except for his early exit against Maryland.
While Michigan has been great on the ground with Blake Corum, Ohio State’s defense is as good as it has been in years. They’ll have to create some explosive passing plays to win, and losing Wilson would be a tough blow.
