Every season has a turning point—but for Michigan, this weekend’s clash with Ohio State could define everything. The Wolverines have battled through highs and lows, but their shot at the College Football Playoff and a true statement victory all come down to this game. Yet, while Michigan looks powerful in some areas, there are cracks that could decide their fate. And this is where things get controversial: are the Wolverines’ strengths enough to overcome their vulnerabilities? Let’s break it down.
Before every Ohio State matchup, Eleven Warriors connects with a reporter covering the opposing team to get an inside view. This week, the honor falls to Alejandro Zúñiga, Michigan beat writer for 247Sports, who shares why this rivalry battle is far more than just another football game—it’s the measuring stick for Michigan’s entire 2025 season.
A Season Hanging in the Balance
Michigan enters the contest at 9-2 (7-1 Big Ten), having fallen to Oklahoma and USC but still keeping their CFP hopes alive. According to Zúñiga, the season has gone mostly as expected. He predicted a 9-2 finish before kickoff, and though the specifics shifted—a win in Lincoln offset by a loss in Los Angeles—the overall narrative hasn’t changed: this team has improved steadily, even if it hasn’t faced many elite opponents lately.
“The schedule hasn’t handed them many signature victories,” Zúñiga admits. Michigan State was a nice road conquest, and Washington looked like a quality home win, but neither opponent has been particularly imposing. As a result, Saturday’s showdown with Ohio State has become what he calls season-defining. Lose, and Michigan’s year feels incomplete; win, and it becomes a triumph worthy of celebration.
Why Ohio State Should Worry
If there’s one thing that could keep Buckeye fans awake at night, it’s Michigan’s resurgent run game and offensive line. Despite dealing with injuries and youthful inexperience, the Wolverines’ front five have evolved into a cohesive, punishing unit. They’ve opened holes for four straight 200-yard rushing performances—an impressive feat for a team once written off as one-dimensional.
The current lineup—Blake Frazier, Giovanni El-Hadi, Greg Crippen, Jake Guarnera, and Andrew Sprague—features three redshirt freshmen, two of whom weren’t even starters in Week 1. Their rapid development has created one of the more balanced rushing attacks in recent Michigan history. Jordan Marshall, a redshirt freshman now leading the backfield in place of the injured Justice Haynes, has flourished thanks to this improved blocking. Anchored by their ground game, the Wolverines have rebuilt their identity around play-action and RPO plays—something Ohio State must respect.
And here’s what most people overlook: this is arguably the youngest yet most promising Michigan offense in recent memory. Quarterback Bryce Underwood, tailback Marshall, and wideout Andrew Marsh form a core that could terrorize defenses for years. Even if Saturday doesn’t go their way, the foundation for 2026 and beyond looks solid.
Michigan’s Kryptonite
Still, every strength carries a shadow. For Michigan, that’s their inconsistent interior pass rush. With Rayshaun Benny leading the defensive tackle group at only 15 pressures, the drop-off from last year’s star pair—Mason Graham (34 pressures) and Kenneth Grant (27)—is obvious. While edge rushers Derrick Moore, TJ Guy, and Jaishawn Barham bring athleticism and speed, too often opposing quarterbacks find themselves comfortable, scanning through multiple reads.
Facing an Ohio State quarterback like Julian Sayin, who thrives under pressure and rarely rattles even when blitzed, that’s dangerous. “If Michigan can’t make Sayin uncomfortable,” Zúñiga warns, “the scales could tip quickly toward the Buckeyes.”
The Freshman Quarterback Storyline
One of the most intriguing parts of Michigan’s 2025 journey has been the development of Bryce Underwood. The freshman didn’t even turn 18 until late August, yet he’s already been asked to lead a high-pressure program. His stats—62.2% completion rate, 7.9 yards per attempt, nine touchdowns to five interceptions—may look modest, but the poise behind them tells a deeper story. Underwood’s decision-making has improved each week, and his ability to execute RPOs and play-action throws makes him a growing threat.
What separates Underwood is his dual-threat ability. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he can punish defenses on the move, forcing linebackers into tough decisions when plays break down. Against Ohio State, that combination of size and decisiveness could become a major factor. Still, his youth occasionally shows—his fourth-quarter stumble at Northwestern, for instance—but the long-term potential is undeniable.
Key Names to Know Beyond the Headliners
On offense, Ohio State should watch not only Marsh but also Donaven McCulley, a deep-field weapon capable of turning tight coverage into highlight catches. Though his production dipped recently, his presence still forces secondaries to stretch. Tight end Marlin Klein remains a critical pass-catching option, while captain and fullback Max Bredeson, playing through injury, adds grit and versatility. If Bredeson can’t suit up, Jalen Hoffman will step into that demanding role.
Defensively, Derrick Moore deserves special attention. He ranks second in the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks, yet Michigan uses him for only about 60% of snaps—a number that may need to rise if the Wolverines hope to apply more pressure. On the opposite side, Jaishawn Barham brings enormous upside and equally large risk: capable of a momentum-shifting sack or a blown containment on any given play. Meanwhile, Brandyn Hillman patrols the secondary with the potential to deliver the kind of hit that changes everything—just as Makari Paige famously did last season.
How Will It End?
Here’s where opinions may split. Zúñiga confesses he hasn’t been bullish on Michigan’s chances in this rivalry for most of its current stretch—and despite the Wolverines often proving him wrong, he’s leaning toward Ohio State again this year. His reasoning is rooted in balance: the Buckeyes’ championship-caliber defense, combined with a rejuvenated, confident offense, might simply be too much.
Expect Michigan to fight hard and land a few emotional blows, especially with a strong third-quarter surge. But sustained drives could be tough to come by, and if the Wolverines can’t disrupt Sayin’s rhythm, the Buckeyes might prevail late. Zúñiga’s final prediction: Ohio State 24, Michigan 17.
But what do you think? Is Michigan’s offensive youth and power on the rise, or are their defensive holes too glaring to overcome? And could Bryce Underwood’s first taste of The Game rewrite the narrative—or only set the stage for next year’s revenge? Leave your thoughts below—because this debate is far from over.