Ohio State-Michigan clash amped up with playoffs on the line

No. 2 Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, No. 2 CFP) at No. 3 Michigan (10-1, 7-1, No. 3 CFP), Noon. (ABC)

Line: Ohio State by 7.

Series record: Michigan leads 58-47-6.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Just about everything that really counts. The annual clash between the rivals means even more this year as the winner is likely to end up in the College Football Playoffs.

KEY MATCHUP

Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett vs. the Michigan defense. Ohio State's passing attack has ranged from tremendous to not-so-good, depending on the game. Windy weather last Saturday limited Barrett to 10 for 22 for 86 yards, but he ran for 105. Michigan's defense is the best in the FBS, limiting opponents to 245.6 yards per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ohio State: H-B Curtis Samuel. The Buckeyes need to get the ball to Samuel, who lines up all over the field and makes defenses scramble to account for him. His 1,458 all-purpose yards is second in the Big Ten. He touched the ball only eight times last week against Michigan State, but caught Barrett's only TD pass.

Michigan: DB/LB Jabrill Peppers. The versatile and talented Peppers anchors the fine Michigan defense and has earned some Heisman Trophy buzz. This should be his biggest test yet, particularly in pass coverage when he may find himself lined up across from slot receiver Samuel. Peppers also takes some snaps on offense and excels as a punt returner.

FACTS & FIGURES

Michigan will win the Big Ten East Division if it beats Ohio State. Because of a tie-breaker, a Buckeyes win will make Penn State the division winner if the Nittany Lions beat Michigan State. Ohio State could come out on top of the division if Penn State loses. ... The Buckeyes are 18-1 in the month of November under coach Urban Meyer. ... Michigan beat Indiana in the snow last week with the fewest passing yards it has recorded in a game since 2001. ... Barrett leads the Big Ten with 24 TD passes. ... ESPN's "GameDay" show will broadcast live from Columbus and begin at 7 a.m. instead of its usual 9 a.m. Analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, will do the five-hour pregame show and then call the game that kicks off at noon with Chris Fowler.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org