The Gameplan

I'm finding it incredibly difficult to get a feel for this game. We've already talked enough about Carr's retirement and its possible effects. Beyond that, specifically what will happen on the field, is damn difficult to forecast. Michigan's last outing was as listless as I've seen from a Michigan team in a long time. Sure, Henne and Hart didn't play but Wisconsin was without major contributors themselves. Ohio State lost to another read option team. Thankfully, Michigan does run the read option.

Tressel has been exceptional devising gameplans for the Wolverines. These gameplans usually don't deviate much from our identity but are varied just enough to mystify any bead Michigan thinks they have on our tendencies. In 2001, we saw the use of the throwback screen. The following year, the Clarett "wheel route" was 'the play' in the game and in '04 Troy and the spread were unleashed. The following year saw minor tactical changes to counter Michigan's advantages like substituting an extra tackle in Andre Tyree so he could workover Alan Branch time and time again. And, last year we saw the overload formation that Michigan jumped because we ran a different play from the same set the week prior.

But, what about Saturday? Rather than special plays, there are key points that help put a team in position to win:

The Gameplan:

• Remember our Identity. This specifically references the Wisconsin game where the staff became entirely too pass happy and let Beanie collect dust. They rediscovered him in the 4th quarter and the rout was on. Let's not have to rediscover him again.
• Beanie's Health. Establishing the run is all great and stuff but it isn't going to happen with Mo Wells or Brandon Saine. Beanie needs to stay healthy and when I say healthy, I mean missing zero plays because of bumps and bruises. If he aggravates the ankle or thumb and cannot continue, say goodnight to our chances.
• Playaction and Boots. Michigan will come with pressure and Shawn Crable will draw a personal foul with a shot to the head. These are givens. To help alleviate the Michigan pressure, I'd like to see us roll the pocket with bootlegs which will give Todd the choice to scamper for 5 yards or hit the primary route. When we don't boot, carry out playaction because it will be there.
• Where's 86? From a defensive prospective, Mario Manningham needs to be pointed out on every play like the center points out the Mike linebacker. And, for crying out loud, stay patient in coverage and don't bite on the double move. Watch the slant, too.

Most of these, as you can tell, focus on our offense because if Henne and Hart play, as I believe they will, we'll need to score points. We simply cannot think the defense will hold the Michigan offense to 14 points. And, just because I don't list something doesn't mean it's not important like the defensive needs to get pressure and all happy stuff. They do and I'd be delighted if Vernon Gholston gets to flex for the camera while those behind him actually catch some interceptions for a change.

The Concerns:

• Defensive Trust Waning. I'm not so much concerned about Michigan's run game as I am with our secondary. Everyone just assumes Malcolm Jenkins will follow Manningham around but I don't think that happens because it didn't last year and Jenkins now plays safety in our nickel package. We had major issues last week covering.
• Turnovers. I know it's cliche but it's true. The last two years, the three games we've had problems (Michigan, Florida, Illinois), we are minus 8 in turnover margin. We cannot have Beanie putting the ball on the ground because of his thumb and Todd cannot be throwing punts.
• The Carr Factor. Nothing more needs to be said.
• The Senior Factor. Hart, Henne, Long - 0/3.

On top of this, I fully expect the human landfill - otherwise known as Michigan Stadium - to be as loud as it ever has been. The students are all excited, planning special chants and getting all 'creative' with the Maize Out. I do not envision, however, the place to be any louder than Beaver Stadium where Ohio State used a silent count which led to almost no false starts and generally the best performance of the year from the guys up front.

In keeping up with the enemy, Brian gets some answers to his OSU questions though many of the answers look awfully familiar. I think it's an oversight not mentioning Jenkins' position switch. Elsewhere, 11W and BuckeyePlanet have their excellent previews up.