Former NFL Head Coach Jon Gruden Predicts Michigan's Defensive Gameplan for The Game

The Michigan Wolverines punished the Ohio State Buckeyes' offense last year in the Horseshoe.

Ohio State's longtime rivals came into Columbus as massive underdogs, and yet, still found a way to beat the Buckeyes up and ended up with the biggest upset of the 2024 season.

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden got on the whiteboard and explained Michigan's base game plan for last year's victory. The X's and O's of the scheme were very interesting, and the entire sum of the attack was to stop the run with a formation-based approach and double the two star receivers.

At face value, that seems like an approach they will try to employ on Saturday against the Buckeyes. Ohio State's rushing attack will be very important to slow down, especially with the impending weather forecast. Slowing down both of the Buckeyes' star receivers is also critically important.

If the Wolverines can execute this, where will the Buckeyes turn?

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Look no further than tight end Max Klare.

Klare is coming off his best game as a Buckeye last week against Rutgers, finishing with five catches for 107 yards and a score.

This is his first and last opportunity at Michigan as a member of Ohio State. Surprisingly, he never played Michigan as a member of the Purdue Boilermakers, so Saturday will be his first chance at it.

If Michigan is going to commit its scheme to stopping Ohio State's star wide receivers, which they should, Klare is going to have a golden opportunity to step up. He has shown throughout the year that he can be a key piece for Ohio State at each level of the field.

He is impactful in the run game, makes plays in the short and intermediate pass game, and when they dial up deep passes to Klare, he can make a big play.

As the year has gone on, the trust and chemistry between Klare and quarterback Julian Sayin have increased week after week. The result of that was manifested last week when Klare got off for his career day.

Ideally, Ohio State will be able to rely on its superstar wide receivers. If they are unavailable for health concerns or if Michigan takes them away, look out for Klare to be the game changer in The Game.

Head coach Ryan Day said it earlier in the week, they will do whatever it takes to win the football game. Whatever it takes.