The Wolverine Now

Scouting OHIO STATE Special Teams Special Teams Overview — With a high-powered offense scoring at will, placekicker Drew Basil has not had many chances to kick field goals this season, but he's 8 of 9, and 32 of 41 (78.0 percent) in his four-year career. Like Basil, freshman punter Cameron Johnston has not had a lot of chances, failing to qualify for the Big Ten race with only 34 punts. His 43.5-yard average would actually rank first among eligible league leaders. Johnston has dropped 21 of his punts inside the 20- 2013 OHIO STATE Schedule yard line and has allowed only 16 returns. age had been solid all year, but last SatPlayer To Watch — Senior punt urday, the Wolverines allowed a returner Corey Brown: One of 60-yard return to Hawkeye Jordan the league's most effective punt Cotton. Now, the Maize and Blue face a Buckeye team that ranks returners, averaging 8.5 yards on third in the Big Ten in kick return 19 tries, with a long of 65 yards, the senior also figures promiaverage with a rate of 23.5 yards nently within the offense. The 6-0, per try. Freshman running back Dontre Wilson leads the way with 190-pounder leads the Scarlet and 25.8 yards per return, and has a Gray in receptions (49), yards (596) BROWN long of 51 yards. and touchdowns (nine) Key Matchup: Michigan's kickoff cover— Michael Spath Inside The Numbers (2013 Statistics) Offense Points Per Game First Downs Rushing Yards Rushing Yards/Game Rushing Attempts Average Yards Per Rush Passing Yards Passing Yards/Game Passing Attempts Average Yards/Catch Total Yards Average Yards Per Game Average Kickoff Return Average Punt Return Third-Down Conversions Third-Down Conv. Percent Fourth-Down Conversions Fourth-Down Conv. Percent U-MOSU 33.1 48.7 220 291 1417 3462 128.8 314.7 476 501 3.2 6.9 2574 2378 234.0 216.2 310 306 14.2 11.4 3991 5840 362.8 530.9 22.6 23.5 6.7 9.0 59-156 73-138 38% 53% 6-11 12-18 55% 67% DateOpponent Aug. 31 Buffalo Sept. 7 San Diego State Sept. 14 at California Sept. 21 Florida A&M Sept. 28 Wisconsin Oct. 5 Northwestern Oct. 19 Iowa Oct. 29 Penn State Nov. 2 at Purdue Nov. 16 at Illinois Nov. 23 Indiana Nov. 30 at Michigan Time/Result W, 40-20 W, 42-7 W, 52-34 W, 76-0 W, 31-24 W, 40-30 W, 34-24 W, 63-14 W, 56-0 W, 60-35 W, 42-14 Noon Keys for michigan Defense U-MOSU Points Allowed Per Game 25.1 18.4 First Downs Allowed 211 205 Rushing Yards Allowed 1280 1048 Rushing Yards Allowed/Game 116.4 95.3 Opponent Rushing Attempts 396 363 Average Yards/Rushing Attempt 3.2 2.9 Passing Yards Allowed 2603 2619 Passing Yards Allowed/Game 236.6 238.1 Opponent Passing Attempts 391 407 Average Yards/Catch Allowed 12.1 10.8 Total Yards Allowed 3883 3667 Average Yards/Game Allowed 353.0 333.4 Average Kickoff Return Allowed 22.6 17.8 Average Punt Return Allowed 7.4 16.5 Third-Down Conversions 66-172 53-163 Third-Down Conv. Percent 38% 33% Fourth-Down Conversions 6-15 10-19 Fourth-Down Conv. Percent 40% 53% Score By Quarters 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT Total Avg. U-M 82 791017824 364 33.1 OSU 206139114 77 — 536 48.7 Class Breakdowns (2013 Two-Deep)... Sr. Jr.So.Fr. U-M Offense........................................................827 11 U-M Defense........................................................6879 U-M Specialists...................................................3112 U-M Totals.............................................. 17111522 OSU Offense........................................................9654 OSU Defense.......................................................2 7116 OSU Specialists...................................................6112 OSU Totals............................................. 17141712 Turnover Margin Gained Lost +/U-M 23 19+4 OSU 20 13+7 Want More Michigan Stats And News? Visit Us Online On The Rivals.com Network at TheWolverine.com THE WOLVERINE • Page 3 Avoid three-and-out series: Michigan's offense has been struggling for weeks now, but its ineffectiveness reached a climax last weekend when the Wolverines recorded three-and-outs on eight of 13 possessions. In four losses, U-M has 23 three-and-out series among 54 possessions (42.6 percent). The Maize and Blue will need to score consistently to keep pace with the Buckeyes, and must maximize their possessions. Additionally, keeping the ball for five, six and seven plays allows the defense to refresh, a must if the Wolverines' defenders are to have any chance of slowing down this formidable Buckeyes attack. Take OSU out of its comfort zone: The Scarlet and Gray offense has faced little adversity this season because no opponent has been able to slow down its rushing attack; OSU has rushed for 250 yards or more in nine of 11 games. This has allowed QB Braxton Miller to play calm, cool and confident. But if the Maize and Blue can limit the success of the ground game, holding the Buckeyes to 200 yards or fewer and 4.2 yards per carry or less, they will put pressure on Miller's shoulders he has not faced all fall. Big plays or bust: With its porous line play, Michigan cannot expect to engineer 10-play drives to put points on the board. U-M's best shot is to hit a few big plays in an effort to match the Buckeyes' offense. Going up top was what made this offense appear better than it probably was the first seven weeks, with 41 total plays of 20 yards or more (5.9 per game). In the last four games, three of which U-M has lost, the Maize and Blue have had seven total big plays, and not one against Iowa. Prediction: The Buckeyes have scored at least 31 points in every game this season, and with threats at quarterback, running back, receiver and tight end, Ohio State will be too much for the Wolverines. Meanwhile, U-M has averaged 12.3 points in regulation over its past four games, and there is no reason to believe Michigan's offense is destined to put it all together this week. OSU wins easily, and the nightmarish November comes to an end for the Maize and Blue. Score: Ohio State 35, Michigan 10. — Michael Spath

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