Stylistically Ohio State and Michigan have become polar opposite college football teams.
The Buckeyes have adapted the new-wave of spread offense and a heavy passing attack, whereas the old-school Wolverines still embrace tough-nosed ground and pound football.
However, in the most recent four renditions of The Game, Michigan’s elite defenses and punishing run game have consistently gained an edge over Ohio State.
And when the elements have come into play, that stylistic advantage can become even more pronounced.
If snow hits Ann Arbor as expected, it could be a significant advantage for Michigan, as the Wolverines run-heavy style has repeatedly shown to be more weather-resistant in past editions of The Game.
Former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel once said weather was the “great equalizer” between the Buckeyes and Wolverines, and it could prove that once again.
The Weather Channel currently has Ann Arbor projected for a full day of below-freezing weather Saturday, with a high of just 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a 70 percent chance of snow that could produce 1-2 inches of snowfall in the middle of the afternoon.
For Michigan, this isn’t out of the ordinary, with Ann Arbor’s Big House hosting snowy affairs much more routinely than at Ohio Stadium.
Michigan also boasts the nation’s 10th ranked rushing offense, earning 223.5 yards per game on the ground, while totaling 32 rushing touchdowns, which is tied for fifth in the FBS. Though a large chunk of that was earned by Wolverines injured running back Justice Haynes, the combination of sophomore back Jordan Marshall, who has been very effective in the absence of Haynes, as well as the legs of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood could prove to be difference makers in the snow.
Ohio State on the other hand, features the No. 56 rushing attack and is averaging just 170.2 yards per game. Freshman running back Bo Jackson isn’t far behind Marshall, averaging 83.5 compared to 87.1 yards per game, however overall the Wolverines are totaling 5.59 yards per rush versus 4.95 from the Buckeyes.
The differences between the two teams’ ground games may seem subtle, but with Ohio State leaning heavily on its passing attack, snowy weather has historically spelled trouble for the Buckeyes, both against Michigan and in cold conditions overall.
Ohio State and Michigan’s bout on Nov. 27, 2021 is the most relevant example, as the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 42-27 in a snowy Ann Arbor. With a run game that had been inconsistent throughout the year and the elements causing difficulties in Ohio State’s passing attack, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes couldn’t conquer the snow in the Big House.
While Stroud was solid in The Game with 394 passing yards and two touchdowns, Ohio State’s ground game averaged just 2.1 yards per carry, while Michigan rushed for 7.1 yards on average and running back Hassan Haskins totaled 169 yards and five touchdowns.
Turning back the clock almost a century, Michigan has had the edge in the snow for quite some time now. Played in a blizzard with 40-50 mile per hour winds, heavy snowfall, and near-zero visibility, The Game in 1950, donned the Snow Bowl, became the defining example of Ohio State’s futility in extreme weather in the 20th century.
Ohio State punted a whopping 21 times, four of which were blocked and two of those turnovers Michigan turned into a touchdown and a safety that ultimately sealed the Wolverine’s 9-3 win over the Buckeyes.
As snowy weather once again threatens to blanket Ann Arbor, the conditions appear poised to revive a familiar pattern.
With Marshall’s relentless attack and Underwood’s dual-threat ability, the Wolverines have the personnel to thrive when the Big House turns white.
If the snow arrives as forecasted, the same winter forces that shaped the Snow Bowl of 1950 and Michigan’s 2021 win could once again tilt The Game toward the team better suited for the cold.
