Where Michigan should have a big edge over Ohio State

In "The Game" against Michigan the past decade, Ohio State has owned a distinct advantage at quarterback. From J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes always had the better player at the game's most important position.

But not this year. 

Ohio State has questions at quarterback heading into the season. The candidates to take over for recent Houston Texans first-round pick Stroud are Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. 

Brown, a highly touted recruit from Utah via Arizona, had a minor injury to his throwing hand and sat out the Buckeyes spring game last month. McCord, a top-30 recruit, wasn’t spectacular in the game, going 18-for-34 for 184 yards and one touchdown.

Although the Buckeyes were missing a lot of players due to injury, head coach Ryan Day admitted  McCord must work on his game.

“I think what you saw in the game was similar to what you’ve seen in practice. Some good things, some things that you’d like to see a little bit better,” Day said afterward, per On3.com.

Ex-Ohio State coach Urban Meyer agrees. On his podcast recently, he questioned his former team’s ability to get the ball to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a Heisman Trophy hopeful.

“I think he’s the best player in college football even last year. I don’t think it’s going to be close this year. Now it’s can we get him the ball?" Meyer said (h/t: Sports Illustrated).

Meanwhile. Michigan’s biggest question is who’s going to be backup quarterback.

Junior QB J.J. McCarthy enters the season as the unquestioned leader of the team. The former five-star recruit took over the starting job after the first game last season and never looked back. In 2023, he threw for 2,719 yards and  22 TD passes although Michigan was a predominately running team.

In a 45-23 romp at Ohio State last season, McCarthy threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh figures to loosen the reins on McCarthy and look for more explosive plays from the passing attack this season. 

The Game is in Ann Arbor in 2023, which does not bode well for whomever starts at QB for the Buckeyes. Plus, Ohio State may have a shaky offensive line, returning only two starters from last season. 

So in 2023 at least, it's advantage Michigan at QB.