Throughout the year, we will be asking and answering questions about various Ohio State teams, the players, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
The time has arrived, fam. Thanksgiving and Black Friday are behind us, so it is officially the day of The Game! It almost seems fitting that a season that has been as stress and angst-free as this one should culminate in a trip to Ann Arbor that is filled with more uncertainty than any of us are likely comfortable with; nothing can ever just go smoothly when those weasley wolverines are involved!
So, a few days aho in this week’s fan survey, we wanted to know what you think will be the key for the Buckeyes to restore the natural balance of the football world and leave that state up north as the victors. Then, in the second question, as it is game week, we want to get your insight into Saturday’s contest, so we want you to pick the winner and the margin of victory.
Today, we have the results for those survey questions. So, check them out below (along with my thoughts and feelings), and if the answers that your fellow fans put forth don’t jive with how you see things, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments at the bottom of the page. Also, if you feel confident about your score prediction, put some money where your mouth is, over at FanDuel Sportsbook, as they are the sponsor for today’s article.
Question 1: What is the most important key to Ohio State beating Michigan?
It’s interesting, because I think I am of the opinion that having just Jeremiah Smith or Carnell Tate in the lineup should be enough to vary the offense enough to get enough points on the board to win the game. However, as unverified online chatter has increased throughout the week about both stud wide receivers returning on Saturday, it has made me more and more confident in the eventual outcome.
I think some other things that will go a long way are pressuring Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood and not allowing him to run free in space, allowing Julian Sayin time in the pocket for his receivers and tight ends to get open, and probably some stuff from the special teams.
Nonetheless, having two future first-round wide receivers will undoubtedly be massive for OSU, so here’s praying to Woody above that we see both Nos. 4 and 17 in the game this afternoon.
Question 2: What will the margin of victory be in Saturday’s game against Michigan?
When the FanDuel Sportsbook opened its betting for this game, Ohio State was installed as an 11.5-point favorite, but, as of the writing of this article, it has dipped a bit to -10.5, or even -9.5, depending on what book you are looking at. The gold standard college football analytics system, SP+, has it as a 31-17 game in favor of the Buckeyes, which would be a fairly solid cover.
Earlier in the week, I went with 33-6, but when I made my pick on the “Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast” this morning, and we released our official LGHL staff predictions, I went with 38-9, both a cover and an over. So that would put me in the 3% group that picked the Buckeyes to win by 29 to 35.
Full disclosure though, in the poll, I technically voted for OSU to win by 100, but I guess not enough of the rest of you agreed, so it wasn’t featured in our results graphic .
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Visit FanDuel Sportsbook for all of your college football betting needs.
