Ohio State Football: 6 Reasons OSU Will Beat Michigan

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Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) stands on the field prior to the Buckeyes

Lots & Lots Of Zeke

By now, Buckeye fans know the story. Ezekiel Elliott entered the Michigan State game as a Heisman favorite…and then he got just 12 carries for 33 as the Buckeye offense sputtered into the Columbus night.

But now that Elliott and his coach appear to be on the same page, don’t count on Meyer making the same mistake twice, even if that means taking over play-calling duties.

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Elliot wants the ball, and he’s probably going to get it. The Buckeyes have been incredibly successful running the ball against Michigan. In the past 11 meetings between these two schools, the Buckeyes have rushed for 2,793 yards. That’s more than 250 yards per game.

There are some who believe Elliott won’t be giving 100 percent effort since he already declared for the draft following the loss to Sparty.

However, Zeke should be even more revved up to run all over the Wolverines. NFL scouts and front office executives will be watching the junior to see how he reacts after his outburst for not getting the ball enough against Michigan State.

Giving off the perception that he’s already mailed in his draft card won’t be a good look for Zeke, and it could affect his draft stock come spring.

Additionally, the Buckeyes’ passing game is on life support, as J.T. Barrett failed to move the offense against the Spartans. Zeke is Ohio State’s best, most consistent weapon, and Meyer shouldn’t lose site of that this time.

Next: The Punter

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