GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Coaches like to say games are won in the trenches — that the team exerts itself up front will win. That’s not always the case, but Ohio State’s offensive line against Michigan’s defensive line could have a major impact on which side prevails Saturday. The Buckeyes have shown inconsistency up front and have dealt with some nagging injuries. But last week the offensive line paved the way for Ohio State to rack up 688 yards against Maryland. Unfortunately for Ohio State, it surely won’t be that easy to move the ball this week against Michigan’s defense, which ranks No. 1 in the nation in fewest yards allowed (234.8 ypg), No. 4 nationally in fewest points allowed (13.5) and No. 14 in rushing defense (111.6).
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Dre’Mont Jones continues to be a rock in the middle of Ohio State’s defense. Last Saturday against Maryland, Jones had one of the Buckeyes’ four sacks and two of their 11 tackles for loss among his four total tackles. He left the game late in the first half with an injury but returned in the second half. Ohio State’s most consistent defensive player this season has 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, an interception returned for a touchdown, three fumble recoveries including one for a score, and one forced fumble in 11 games.
ROSTER REPORT:
–LT Thayer Mumford is considered probable for Saturday’s game against Michigan, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Monday. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound sophomore appeared to sustain an injury to his right knee during last week’s win at Maryland. After Mumford had the ankle rolled up on, he didn’t return to the game. If he can’t go this week, his replacement would be fourth-year junior Joshua Alabi.
–LB Baron Browning has been cleared to play Saturday against Michigan by team doctors, Meyer announced Monday. The sophomore has missed the past two games with an undisclosed injury.
–RB Mike Weber sat out last Saturday’s game against Maryland with a bruised quad but should be good to go this week against Michigan, Meyer said.
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