Michigan-Ohio State matchups

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Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson (32) tries to get away from Michigan defensive back Rod Moore during the Wolverines’ 42-27 win over the Buckeyes in Ann Arbor, Mich., last season.

Don Speck | The Lima News

QUARTERBACK

C.J. Stroud threw two or more touchdown passes in Ohio State’s first seven games but has thrown one or none in three of its last four games.

J.J. McCarthy (1,952 yards, 14 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) has been Michigan’s starter since the second week of the season. The former 5-star recruit has been called a dual threat quarterback but has not run a lot.

Advantage: Ohio State

RUNNING BACK

No. 2 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) hopes to have Miyan Williams back against No. 3 Michigan (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten). Williams and TreVeyon Henderson might be limited even if they can play, which would mean a big role for Dallan Hayden.

Michigan’s Blake Corum has run for 1,457 yards and 18 touchdowns but might not be at full strength if available after a knee injury limited him to one carry in the second half of a 19-17 win over Illinois last Saturday. His back-up Donovan Edwards (471 yards rushing) did not play against Illinois.

Advantage: Michigan

RECEIVERS

Marvin Harrison Jr. went over 1,000 yards receiving this season during a 43-30 win over Maryland last Saturday and Emeka Egbuka needs 86 yards to reach 1,000.

Ronnie Bell (48 catches, 641 yards, 2 touchdowns) is Michigan’s top pass catcher after missing last season because of a torn ACL. Cornelius Johnson has 25 catches for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker has 30 catches.

Advantage: Ohio State

OFFENSIVE LINE

Ohio State’s offensive line continues to be among the best in the country at protecting its quarterback. It has allowed only seven sacks. Its run blocking has not been that consistent, though.

Left tackle Ryan Hayes, left guard Trevor Keegan and right guard Zak Zinter are multi-year starters for Michigan. The Wolverines added former Virginia center Olusegun Oluwatimi, one of three finalists for last year’s Rimington Award, through the transfer portal.

Advantage: Michigan

DEFENSIVE LINE

Jack Sawyer has moved into a tie with Michael Hall for the Ohio State team lead in sacks with 4.5. OSU has had three or more sacks in four of its last five games.

Michigan ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (79.5).End Mike Morris (11 tackles for losses, 7.5 sacks) is Michigan’s most productive defensive lineman but did not play against Illinois.

Advantage: Ohio State

LINEBACKERS

Tommy Eichenberg’s 12 tackles for losses ranks third in the Big Ten.

Junior Colson leads Michigan with 73 tackles and has 6 tackles for losses and two sacks.

Advantage: Ohio State

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Lathan Ransom blocked a punt for the second game in a row and did it with a broken thumb that happened earlier in the game at Maryland.

Safety Rod Moore leads Michigan in interceptions with three.

Advantage: Ohio State

SPECIAL TEAMS

Noah Ruggles connected from 47 yards, 46 yards and 33 on field goals against Maryland.

Michigan kicker Jake Moody is 25 of 30 on field goals this season. He has the Michigan career record for most made field goals with 65. A.J. Henning has a punt return for a touchdown.

Advantage: Michigan

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