The weather forecast is apparently going to play a huge factor when Ohio State heads to Ann Arbor this Saturday.
As CBS Sports' Robby Kalland smartly noted in the lead-up to the potential Big Ten title eliminator game, expect potentially sloppy football on the horizon.
"It is going to be 31 degrees and snowy in the Big House on Saturday afternoon and I legitimately cannot wait to watch this game," Kalland wrote. "Ohio State has been unbelievable all season. The defense is spectacular and they haven't been truly pushed by a team since the opener against Texas -- and even then, they were in control of that one all game. Now they face a Michigan team that has brought out the worst in Ryan Day and the Buckeyes in recent years."
A conservative play-calling strategy with less of a focus on an aerial passing attack could be in play, too.
"Last year's game was the ultimate example of this, as Day was insistent on trying to out-physical the Wolverines, which has only served to play into Michigan's favor," Kalland added. "This year's Ohio State team seems perfectly built to avoid that trap this year -- they are fantastic passing it with an embarrassment of riches at receiver and have been mediocre running it -- but the weather will give Day pause at opening it up."
Day dismissed the notion the weather would hinder what the Buckeyes would run when asked Wednesday. But, of course, easier said than done.
“That’s what you expect this time of year in Big Ten football," Day told reporters. "This is a group of guys that have played in this type of weather before."
If the Buckeyes throw it, Day's comments will be proven right. If not, the analytical experts are likely onto something.