By JOE SCALZO
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- Ohio State coach Jim Tressel doesn't have any lucky socks or ties, but he does have a lucky team.
"I think we're lucky," said Tressel. "In relation to what, I don't know. We've shown at times that we do things well, but I think we've had good fortune."
That luck could come in handy on Saturday, when the fourth-ranked Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor for the 100th Ohio State-Michigan game. And, like so many years before, the Big Ten title is on the line.
"Anyone that's ever played or coached in the game knows that it's the toughest, cleanest, most emotional game of the season, in part because it's Ohio State-Michigan and in part because it's the final game," Tressel said Tuesday at his weekly press conference at the Hall of Fame Cafe.
"And all of us would like to play the best we could possibly play in our final game of the season."
Buckeyes won last two
Although No. 5 Michigan (9-2, 6-1) leads the all-time series (56-37-6), Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) has won the last two meetings and will look to win three straight for the first time since winning four straight between 1959 and 1962.
"When you take two of the top five teams in the country and get to square off in the 100th meeting of a rivalry, it's just a tremendous feeling to be a part of that," Tressel, who is 2-0 against Michigan, said. "It's a tremendous privilege to square off with an excellent team."
Buckeyes underdogs
Although Ohio State has a higher ranking, a better record and more than half its starters back from last year's national title team, the Buckeyes are 6 1/2 point underdogs.
The reason? Michigan's talent. Especially on offense.
"I think Michigan is as explosive on the offensive side of things as any team in the country," Tressel said.
Wolverine senior running back Chris Perry leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,435), yards per game (130.5), all-purpose yards (158.7 per game) and scoring (17 touchdowns).
Senior quarterback John Navarre is second in the league in passing yards (252.9 per game) and total offense (249.9 per game) and is third in passing efficiency (134.7 rating).
Junior wideout Braylon Edwards is second in receptions (6.18 per game) and yards (81.9).
"I think the teams that present the most problems are those teams that are balanced," Tressel said. "And Michigan's got great balance.
"I think their evolution as an offensive team has been excellent. So it gives you a ton of problems."
Ohio State's offense, however, has struggled.
OSU offense struggles
The Buckeyes are ranked ninth in the Big Ten in total offense -- Michigan is second behind Minnesota -- and are averaging just 24.2 points per game, compared to 37.4 for the Wolverines.
Saturday's 16-13 win over Purdue marked the third time this season Ohio State won a game without scoring an offensive touchdown.
"We need to get into the end zone," Tressel said. "I thought the key to last year's game [against Michigan] was we got into the end zone. If you want to win a big game, typically you need to score touchdowns.
"So is that a concern? Absolutely."
Defense is another story.
No. 1 defense
Ohio State is No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring defense (15.1 points per game), rushing defense (50.5 yards per game) and total defense (275.7).
Problem is, Michigan is second in scoring defense (15.5) and total defense (279.1).
"I think they've done a good job of taking command of some games by striking with big plays and then their defense has done a great job of creating field position and creating turnovers at opportune times," Tressel said. "And that's why they're one of the top teams."
And that's why this is one of Tressel's top games.
"There is a lot riding on this game," he said. "But that's why the kids came to Ohio State and the kids went to Michigan -- to play in games like this.
"We as coaches look at the game we're playing as the biggest game ever, so there's no doubt about it. This is the biggest game ever."
scalzo@vindy.com