What is the X factor for The Game?

Submitted by GVSUGoBlue on
It's Hate Week. Let's talk football. What do you think the X factor is for The Game? A lot of people will say our QB play or JT's rushing yards. I believe it will come down to how many times Ohio State turns the ball over. They make a few mistakes and our defense keeps us right there until the end. This can also serve as a Monday posbang too.
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X factor Michigan Ohio state 2016

Hops

November 21st, 2016 at 2:20 PM ^

Which OSU team shows up seems to be heavily dependent on the quality of the opposing defense. They have struggled mightily against teams with decent-to-good defenses while looking unstoppable against teams like OU that can't stop anyone.

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Har Bro

November 21st, 2016 at 10:55 AM ^

When we've started slow on offense this year (Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana) it impacts the offensive rhythm the whole game, and the defense is not able to play as aggressively.

When we start with a touchdown on the first or second position, the defensive playbook opens up.

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Har Bro

November 21st, 2016 at 12:51 PM ^

We've played 7 defenses rated in Top 50 for total defense.

We struggled early against Wisconsin (8th), Colorado (14th), Iowa (31st), Indiana (48th), but not against PSU (21st), MSU (29th), UCF (35th).

So its not just about the defense we play.  By the way, OSU is 4th in total defense, so I'm not expecting a quick start, but I think we need one to have a chance.

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Braylon_Edward…

November 21st, 2016 at 11:00 AM ^

Our offensive line. Gotta keep Hubbard and co away from Speight/O'Korn. We'll also be seeing a lot of stacked fronts if O'Korn starts so gotta manage some kind of run game despite it. Enough to flip fields and control field position.

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Pkf97

November 21st, 2016 at 11:06 AM ^

Block a punt without roughing the kicker.

Get after Barrett without any targeting / late-hit nonsense.

A touchdown on special teams and/or defense.

4th down conversion both ways.

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beedub93

November 21st, 2016 at 11:18 AM ^

I don't think there is one single thing that will spell the difference in this game.

Personally, I think osu plays lights out after their near-disaster in EL. I expected a close one because msu always plays them tough, last game for seniors and I can't believe osu was all that fired up to play a 3-7 team.

At any rate, I see osu playing at a level Michigan won't be able to match.

Even with a fully healthy Speight (which he is not), the defense has shown was chinks in the armor (lb play has been shoddy and teams are attacking Michigan's edges), and i just think this team doesn't match up well.

Hope I'm wrong, but I don't see them winning in Columbus.



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brad

November 21st, 2016 at 11:52 AM ^

I think it may come down to how well we control Curtis Samuel.

If not that, then Michigans special teams potential to unleash true havoc. They've shown they can at times , but will they in this game?

If not that, then can our QB hit a deep ball for the love of God!!!



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The Barwis Effect

November 21st, 2016 at 11:58 AM ^

Not giving up the big play. Seems we've given up at least one long TD run to OSU ever year for the last 15 years. That can't happen against this defense. Cant expect them to stop OSU every time , but we have to at least make them earn everything they get. No cheapies.



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NelzQ

November 21st, 2016 at 1:13 PM ^

The X factor is the mindset our team embraces. They must elevate to the state of mind that they are going to Columbus to kick ass. No more nerves or jitters or indecision. Had they gone to Iowa City with this mindset, there would have been no nerves causing rushing plays or too much Oomph on long passes. This team needs to be assassins on a mission. If everyone can take it upon their shoulders (pun intended) to go out and replicate Deveon Smiths beast mode display against Indiana, Michigan wins convincingly. It is time to become the bully and kick some ass.

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GoBlueDiggity

November 21st, 2016 at 3:30 PM ^

OSU is no doubt going to try to get Samuel one on one with either one of these guys all day or as much as possible even with Peppers and Lewis shadowing him most of the time. How Gedeon and McCray mitigate damage in these situations will be crucial. I would assume one of the safeties maybe both will have to do their part on these types of plays where Samuel does get loose against either linebacker in space over the middle.

Joined: 07/24/2016

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Perkis-Size Me

November 21st, 2016 at 4:17 PM ^

Our QB play. If the defense plays up to its potential, they'll keep us in the game. This is not last year's OSU team. Ezekiel Elliot ain't walking through that door, and Weber, Samuel and Barrett are all good. But they're mortal.

The trick is our QB play. If O'Korn or (God willing) Speight can sustain long, consistent drives that take up 5-6 mins, result in TDs, and keep OSU's offense off the field, we can win. Absolutely. But if the offense stalls and we consistently go three and out, we're toast. Our defense is good, but they can only do it all by themselves for so long.

I'll be honest: if O'Korn is the starter, I worry about Michigan's ability to even keep this game close. Based on what we saw on Saturday.



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