GAME NOTES: The outright Big Ten championship is on the line in Ann Arbor on Saturday, as the 23rd-ranked Michigan Wolverines and the seventh-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes add another chapter to one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. Ohio State has won 29 of its last 31 games and two consecutive Big Ten championships, but that is no consolation to the coaches and players after their dream of a perfect season was erased by last weekend's 28-21 loss to Illinois in Columbus. The Buckeyes entered that game with the top spot in the AP poll and an inside track to the BCS National Championship Game, but both privileges were lost. Michigan has won 68 percent of its games against top-10 teams during Lloyd Carr's tenure, so expect the Maize and Blue to be ready. After losing to Appalachian State and Oregon in succession to open the season, the Wolverines won eight straight games to regain respectability. Unfortunately, they fell to Wisconsin last weekend on the road by a 37-21 final. Coach Carr can silence his doubters with a victory on Saturday, and he may save his job in the process. Michigan owns a 57-40-6 lead in the series with Ohio State, but the Buckeyes have won the last three meetings. Last season's game was memorable, as Ohio state posted a 42-39 victory over Michigan to clinch a spot in the national title game.

Last season, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy. Many believed that Smith's replacement this season, Todd Boeckman, could be the second consecutive Buckeye signal caller to capture college football's top individual honor, but that talk ceased after Boeckman threw three interceptions in last weekend's loss to Illinois. Ohio State finished with only 336 total yards and failed to keep up with the Illini. Standout tailback Chris Wells posted a pair of touchdowns in defeat, but the effort simply wasn't enough. Ohio State is averaging 33.6 ppg and 407.8 total ypg this season. Wells has been outstanding, as he has rushed for 1,241 yards and 12 touchdowns through 11 outings while averaging 5.8 ypc. Boeckman has completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,121 yards and 23 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. The best receiver on the roster is Brian Robiskie, who has made 48 catches for 864 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Ohio State leads the nation in scoring defense (11.4 ppg) and is second in both pass defense and total defense. The Buckeyes are led by linebacker James Laurinaitis, a finalist for the Lombardi, Butkus and Lott awards. As the leader of the Ohio State defense, Laurinaitis was undoubtedly shocked that Illinois was able to come in to Columbus last weekend and run its offense effectively. The Buckeyes were victimized for 400 total yards, including 260 rushing yards. They had a terrible time trying to contain Illini quarterback Juice Williams, a dual threat at the quarterback position. Fortunately, neither of the quarterbacks who may be under center for Michigan this weekend pose any real threat to run. Despite last weekend's debacle, Ohio State is still surrendering just over 11 ppg and 237 total ypg. Only two rushing touchdowns have been allowed all season, and foes are gaining just 2.6 ypc.

There is no shortage of stars on the offensive side of the ball for Michigan. Start in the backfield, as Mike Hart has battled through injury for much of this season and figures to do the same this weekend. Hart needs only 133 rushing yards to become the fourth back in Big Ten history with 5,000 career yards. Mario Manningham has an NCAA-leading six straight 100-yard receiving games in conference play. Hart has rushed for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, while Manningham has 62 grabs for 1,062 yards and 11 scores. The man under center is Chad Henne, who has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 1,497 yards and 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Henne has missed two game with injury and has been limited in others. The Wolverines are averaging 28.2 ppg and 399.2 total ypg this season, and they obviously feature a tremendously balanced attack. Hart did not play against Wisconsin because of his injured ankle and Henne left after two possessions to rest his injured shoulder. With so much on the line this weekend, both figure to play, although Henne is a bit more questionable than Hart. Manningham caught a pair of touchdowns last weekend from backup quarterback Ryan Mallett, but it wasn't enough to avoid defeat.

Michigan's Shawn Crable does not get as much media attention as OSU's Laurinaitis, but he has been just as much a force this season. Crable has made 24 tackles for loss and needs only two more to tie the Michigan single-season record. Considering the great players that have passed through the program, that accomplishment should not be overlooked. Jamar Adams leads the Wolverines with three interceptions, and he has broken up 13 passes. Opponents are posting 20.8 ppg and 335.1 total ypg against Michigan, which has been outstanding defensively in the eight wins and very poor in the three losses. In the loss to Wisconsin, Michigan was victimized for 477 total yards, including well over 200 yards both on the ground and through the air. The Badgers managed three rushing scores against the Wolverines.

This college football season has been one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Ohio State may be a slightly better team than Michigan, but the Wolverines have a chance to represent the Big Ten in a BCS bowl despite the terrible start. Expect the home team to get it done on Saturday.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Michigan 27, Ohio State 24