Michigan HC rightfully warns defense of Ohio State's offense

Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Michigan HC Sherrone Moore rightfully warns defense of Ohio State's offense

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Nov 26, 2025 9:40 PM ET

One could almost forgive the Michigan Wolverines if they came into his weekend's much-anticipated matchup with the Ohio State Buckeyes feeling a bit cocky.

Michigan has won "The Game" four seasons in a row now. That includes last season, which was the first year of the Sherrone Moore era when Michigan went into "The Shoe" and knocked off No. 2-ranked Ohio State, 13-10.

Sure, OSU went on to win the whole enchalata in the College Football Playoff, but there's no doubt that Michigan has had Ohio State's number lately.

That's all fine and dandy, but Moore is clearly concerned about No. 1-ranked Ohio State's offense coming into this game.

In fact, he sent a clear message to his defense in a recent news conference.

"It's potent. It's one of the best in the country," Moore said of OSU's offense, according to GMBWolverine. "Obviously, the best team in the country ... They've got elite players everywhere on the field from a skill-position standpoint ... It's a challenge I know our defense is ready to go take on."

"It's potent man… Obviously the best team in the country."

Sherrone Moore on Ohio State and their offense ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xLN1JoOsoE
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 24, 2025

Michigan Wolverines must respect Ohio State Buckeyes in "The Game"

The Buckeyes are scoring 37.9 points per game, and they've got one of the best quarterbacks in the country in sophomore Julian Sayin.

Sayin has thrown for 2,882 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, compared to just four interceptions, and he very well may win the Heisman Trophy when all is said and done. His average passer rating of 185.38 and completion percentage of 79.4% both lead all of college football.

Sayin has elite weaponry around him, from superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (902 yards and 10 touchdowns this season) to a deep group of running backs behind him.

Yes, Michigan has one of the top defenses in the country, but the same could be said of OSU. The Buckeyes are giving up just 206.6 yards per game and just 7.6 points per game on defense, which is the best average in college football. Meanwhile, the Wolverines are giving up 302.5 yards and 17.9 points per game on defense.

Everything points to OSU in this one, but Ohio State has arguably had the better team in three of the last four matchups between these two rivals, and Michigan has still come out on top four games in a row.

That's why they play "The Game," but Michigan will absolutely be at a disadvantage in this one.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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