Pat Caputo: Three Factors That Could Lead To A Michigan Upset Of Ohio State Saturday
By: Pat Caputo
I expect Ohio State to beat Michigan Saturday. It is the Buckeyes' bowl game. It is for an undefeated season. All of Michigan's bigger victories under Brady Hoke have been at home. The Wolverines are not nearly as formidable on the road. But if Michigan wins this game, I'd surprised, but not shocked. These are three reasons why:
1. Ohio State had surprisingly close victories over Purdue and Indiana. Lowly Cal should have beaten OSU at Ohio Stadium, and struggling Michigan State lost by just a point to the Buckeyes. The victory over Nebraska was the only truly impressive win on Ohio State's resume. Wisconsin is down this year, despite its place in the Big Ten title game.
2. OSU QB Braxton Miller isn't a great passer, but a tremendous runner. Michigan's linebackers are a genuine strength. It's possible they could throttle Miller.
3. Michigan's offense is the great unknown going into this game. How will offensive coordinator Al Borges use Devin Gardner and Denard Robinson at QB? Will/can Robinson throw? It could greatly confuse the Buckeyes.
