Dwayne Haskins impressed his head coach with a gritty running performance against Maryland. That same toughness and decisiveness will be needed Saturday versus Michigan.
Georgia safety Brian Branch previews this weekend's trip to Columbus, Ohio State gets a visit from a 6-foot-8 lineman and a freshman quarterback will return to the Shoe.
Ohio State players are under no disillusion. Michigan is the most important game of the season, and the Buckeyes treat it with deserved significance this week.
Shea Patterson has upgraded Michigan's play at the quarterback position, giving Ohio State's defense more to worry about in both the passing game and running game.
Ohio State needed a half to make the necessary adjustments to Samford's zone press defense, but it made them in the second half which led to a victory.
Ohio State could add a signature win to its resume by beating Michigan on Saturday, but has just two weeks to climb six spots in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Ohio State remains at No. 10 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings ahead of Saturday's matchup with Michigan, as UCF passed the Buckeyes in the rankings.
