Last Week at The Wolverine Den

Tailgate Attendance

158

Michigan 9 - Ohio State 27 (Senior Day)

Michigan Stadium

November 29, 2025 - 12:00 p.m. ET

Tailgate Pictures

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Game Preview

The Michigan Wolverines close the regular season with the traditional season-ending game against Ohio State on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State is ranked #1 in the nation after winning the National Championship in 2024. Michigan is #15 in the nation after winning the National Championship in 2023. At game time, it will have been 2,191 days since Ohio State has last beaten Michigan in football.

Pre-game Menu

French Toast Casserole
Breakfast Casserole
Hash Brown Casserole
Donuts

Post-game Menu

Brats & Burgers
Snacks

Since this game was moved to the last game of the regular season in 1935, at least a share of the Big Ten Championship has been on the line 51 times in "The Game". It has been called the greatest rivalry in sports. And the stakes this year are again huge. If Ohio State wins, they will secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship game next week and very likely assure themselves a bye for the first round of the College Football Playoffs. If they lose, it will be 5 straight losses to their rival. They will likely not make the Big Ten Championship game but will still back-in to a playoff spot.

If Michigan wins, they have a chance to go to the Big Ten Championship game and a chance to earn a playoff berth. A Michigan loss would likely send the Wolverines to the Citrus Bowl on December 31st.

Since to beginning of the Bo-era at Michigan (1969), the two teams have played 56 times, with Michigan winning 26, Ohio State winning 27 and two games that ended in a tie (plus the vacated game by Ohio St in 2010). In those 56 games, the Big Ten Championship was on the line in 44 of those games. The teams have traded dominance in the recent past. OSU won 14 of the 16 games between 2004-2019 while Michigan won 12 of the 15 games between 1985 - 2000. And now Michigan has won the last four in a row. And amazingly, the underdog team has won 22 times over those 56 most recent games! This is indeed the greatest rivalry.

The Wolverine Den Trivia

Q: How many consecutive Michigan vs. Ohio State games has The Wolverine Den staff attended?

A: The Wolverine Den has attended 32 consecutive Michigan-Ohio State games.

What do the stats say for this year? Ohio State is #1 in the country in total defense. Michigan is 17th. Ohio State is #25 in the country in total offense. Michigan is 38th. OSU has a +5 turnover margin. Michigan has a +3 margin. Both teams have about the same number of sacks, penalties and time of possession. This game is pretty even except for two things:

Ohio State has played a significantly easier schedule than Michigan. Yes, they played Texas to open the season, but it turns out that Texas wasn't all that great. Their most impressive win was against Washington, who they beat 24-6. OSU strength of schedule for the year ranks #52. Michigan played Washington and won by a similar score (24-10). But they also played road games against USC and Oklahoma. Michigan's strength of schedule is #37.
The game is being played at Michigan Stadium in November. The Wolverines are 28-2 at the Big House over the past 5 years. The Wolverines are 23-4 in all games played after November 1st over the past 5 seasons. Michigan plays well at home in November weather. And it will be cold and a little snowy on Saturday.

Michigan is expected to have Jordan Marshall back this week as well as Ernest Hausmann. Both of Ohio State's top two receivers did not play last week against Rutgers. Both are expected to play on Saturday.

The Wolverines lead the all-time series 62-51-6. Both ESPN's College GameDay and Fox's Big Noon Kickoff are in Ann Arbor for The Game.

Michigan is a 10 point underdog.

Post-Game Summary

For the first time in 6 years, the Michigan Wolverines lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Wolverines needed the win to have any last chance at making the College Football Playoffs. Michigan started quickly and had chances but could not convert opportunities into touchdowns. Instead, the Wolverines kicked three field goals in the first half. If those had been touchdowns, this would have been a very different game. But giving Ohio State credit, their defense is as advertised. Michigan finished with only 163 yards of total offense.

With everything that has happened since The Game, it's like The Game really didn't matter. The Maize and Blue will be back and we will contend again for championships.

Steve's Prediction

24-21

Craig's Prediction

27-24

Tim's Prediction

31-27

Brown's Prediction

24-17

Steve 37, Brown 33, Craig 27½, Tim 22½