Ohio State-Michigan game preview and picks: The effect of emotion, surprise players and injuries

On this game preview edition of Buckeye Talk, Doug Lesmerises, Nathan Baird and Stephen Means dig in deep on the matchup between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan, while Michigan writer Aaron McMann stops by for a segment to lend his expertise.

First, the guys start (0:45) on the Ohio State offense vs. the Michigan defense. Will C.J. Stroud provide some magic? Will Dallan Hayden carry the rushing load? And is the Michigan pass rush a problem?

Then (40:43) it's a quick look at potential surprise players for The Game, as the guys give their choices.

Then (47:54) it's Ohio State defense vs. Michigan offense. Will the Jim Knowles plan work? And might Michigan wind up relying on quarterback J.J. McCarthy more than ever?

Then it's a visit from McMann (1:02:30), who provides a look at what Michigan might be like if star running back Blake Corum is out or severely limited.

Finally (1:32:28), Doug, Nathan and Stephen make their picks for The Game.

Thanks for listening to Buckeye Talk from cleveland.com.

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