COLUMBUS, Ohio Poking holes in Ohio State for the last 10 weeks has felt a bit like nitpicking. The Buckeyes are 11-0 and have played just a single one-score game (Aug. 30 vs. Texas). They have the best defense in the sport, a Heisman Trophy quality quarterback and clearly the best wide receiver tandem when healthy. But now, all of those flaws will be on full display with the Michigan game on deck. The question after 11 regular season games becomes: How much, if at all, do they matter? Latest Ohio State Buckeyes news Ohio State’s win over Rutgers and whether its ready for Michigan: Buckeye Talk Podcast Ohio State football’s Ryan Day provides injury update on Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate Ohio State players and fans sing ‘Carmen Ohio’ after last home game of the season (video) Everything Ohio State coach Ryan Day said after the win over Rutgers Ohio State showed on Saturday against Rutgers, in the 42-9 win, that it isn’t going to change its colors all that much headed into the Michigan game. Right guard Tegra Tshabola is sure to start, especially considering that Gabe VanSickle, when he played against Rutgers, didn’t look sharp. Even if there’s a rotation, any thoughts about him being benched prior to Michigan are likely gone. Even though cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. was hurt during the game and didn’t return, he’s sure to be the team’s slot cornerback if healthy. There won’t be a massive personnel change at the last minute. Assuming health, don’t look for five-star freshman Devin Sanchez to suddenly become a starting cornerback. The Buckeyes are going to rotate at running back. They’re going to play a bevy of tight ends. And, frankly, they’re probably going to win. Ohio State is what it is at this point of the season. The offensive game plan, while it may change now that the team is in win-or-go-home mode, isn’t going to undergo a massive shift. Now, all those question marks about the season health, running back rotation, right guard rotation and more are on display. Ohio State has proven this season that it’s good enough to overcome inconsistencies across the lineup, but the Buckeyes will now begin a stretch that may include five-straight games against teams in the AP Top 25. In short, there’s no reason to believe that Ohio State won’t be able to overcome flaws against elite competition. And yes, that includes Michigan. There’s enough talent to overcome any deficiencies, mental or physical, to win another national title. But now, after 11 games, it’s clear what the Buckeyes are. They’re the best team in the sport, but they still have their flaws like any team in the nation. Their strengths are just too much for other teams to handle. Don’t expect much change from Ohio State at this point of the season, both in personnel or game plan. It’s gotten Ohio State to this point of the season. And now, coach Ryan Day has to think that it will get the Buckeyes to 16-0.
https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2025/11/ohio-state-is-no-1-but-not-without-flaws-how-much-will-it-matter-vs-michigan.html