College game of the week

Today, 1:30

Ohio Stadium — "The Horseshoe"

Last week: Michigan won at Indiana, 34-3. Ohio State won at Northwestern, 54-10.

Last meeting: Ohio State won, 25-21, last year at Michigan.

Trends to watch: Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense (7.8 points per game) and are eighth in scoring offense (35.8 points per game), the only team in the nation to rank in the top eight in both categories.

Players to watch: Ohio State QB Troy Smith leads the Big Ten in QB rating (170-of-256, 2,191 passing, 26 TDs, 4 ints.) and is a top Heisman Trophy candidate ... Michigan's Chad Henne is third in the Big Ten in QB rating (156-of-252, 1,932 passing, 18 TDs, 7 ints.)

Michigan will win if ... Ferocious defense can keep it up against OSU. The Wolverines lead the nation with 40 sacks and give up just 29.9 yards per game rushing. They are third in the nation in total defense.

Ohio State will win if ... Smith continues to have his way against the Wolverine defense in wins the past two years, Smith has gone a combined 40-for-60 passing for 541 yards, 3 touchdowns with no interceptions and 182 yards rushing for two more scores.

Extra points: First time fierce Wolverines-Buckeyes rivalry that dates back to 1897 has ever produced No. 1-vs.-No. 2 showdown. Winner can book tickets to BCS national title game Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz. Loser likely shuffles off to Rose Bowl unless there is a rematch for BCS crown ... Buckeyes looking for first 3-game winning streak over UM since winning four in row from 1960-63... Michigan RB Mike Hart has rushed for 1,373 yards and 11 TDs ... Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. is an explosive player who averages 12.1 yards per punt return ... Michigan's Lloyd Carr is 113-34 in 11th year. Ohio State's Jim Tressel is 61-13 in his sixth season at the Ohio State ... Michigan leads the series, 57-39-6.