Ohio State Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2018

Yet another installment of “The Game” will close the regular season and this one might actually be for the Big Ten East title — depending on how the Wolverines fare in their tough schedule. Jim Harbaugh will be under more pressure than ever before heading into this game after losing to Michigan State for the second straight season and third time in four years.

In fact, if Harbaugh loses to Ohio State, it will make him 0-4 versus the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer and 1-7 against his top two rivals. That won’t cut it in Ann Arbor and his leash will get a little tighter.

Assuming Ole Miss transfer Shea Miss is eligible, he’ll get the start in this one and give the Buckeyes a decent battle early on. However, like the rest of the opponents that are able to hang with the Buckeyes early, Patterson will run out of gas from trying to escape this defensive line’s pressure all game long. That’ll lead to errant throws and late-game inaccuracy.

Ohio State will get a solid performance from Dwayne Haskins on the ground as he will struggle to throw for over 200 yards against this Michigan defense. He’ll scramble and pick up nearly 100 yards rushing. He’ll be backed by JK Dobbins and Mike Weber who’ll also have strong performances.

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The game will come down to the wire, but Ohio State will pick Patterson off in the final minute as he tries to lead the Wolverines on a game-tying drive.

Final Score: Michigan 21, Ohio State 28 (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten)