The key matchup: OSU defense vs. Michigan offense

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Ohio State's defense is impressive. Michigan's offense is spectacular.
When they play for the 100th time, there will be a lot at stake, including the outright Big Ten title and an automatic Bowl Championship Series bid.
No. 4 Ohio State won the last two meetings, and if the defending national champion Buckeyes (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) win Saturday, they could have a chance to defend their title at the Sugar Bowl.
"I think Michigan is as explosive on the offensive side of things as any team in the country," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "Our guys know that they're in for their stiffest challenge of the year."
A victory for No. 5 Michigan (9-2, 6-1) would keep alive its long-shot national title hopes and a spot in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997.
Perry in spotlight
The game may come down to Ohio State's run defense against Michigan's rushing attack led by Chris Perry, who averages 130 yards a game -- third in the nation. He's also scored 17 touchdowns.
The Buckeyes give up just 50.5 yards rushing per game -- 10 yards less than the second-ranked team against the run -- on 1.6 yards an attempt.
"I think that [statistic] has to be one of the best in modern football history," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said.
Ohio State ranks sixth in the nation in points allowed (15.1) and total defense (275.7).
The Wolverines score 37.4 points a game, ranking ninth in the nation, with the 14th-ranked offense that averages 188 yards on the ground and 270 yards in the air.
Michigan running backs have had big games before against Ohio State. Tim Biakabutuka ran for 313 yards in 1995 and Jamie Morris had 210 yards in 1986 to help the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes. But Perry isn't focused on joining that select group.
"I could care less if I have 1 yard rushing," said Perry, who is 65 yards from being the fourth Michigan running back with 1,500 yards. "As long as we win, I'm happy. You're defined by winning. Nobody cares if you ran for 200 yards and lost."
Smith vs. Pape
Offensive tackle Tony Pape said the key to a win will be Michigan's running game. Pape will often be matched against defensive end Will Smith, who has 10 1/2 sacks and a Big Ten-best 20 tackles for losses.
"It will be a defining game for me facing a player like Will Smith," Pape said.
The Buckeyes want to stop the run, then fluster John Navarre.
"You have to get some pressure on the quarterback and get him thinking and do some things so he gets confused," strong safety Will Allen said. "With any good quarterback, you've got to get him thinking a little bit to mess up the whole rhythm of the offense."
Pass-happy
Carr wasn't as serious when he was pressed about his plans on offense.
"I think we're probably going to have to throw every down," Carr said. "You'll probably see us with no backs in the backfield and just throwing."
All jokes aside, Carr is looking forward to devising a game plan.
"That's the fun of the game, trying to find out a way to win and a way to offensively have some success," he said.
The Buckeyes are the Big Ten's seventh-ranked team against the pass, giving up 225.2 yards a game.
Navarre, who has completed 58.7 percent of his passes for 2,782 yards with 21 TDs and eight interceptions, said Ohio State has the best defense he's seen.
"Some teams we've played had a good secondary and some had a good defensive line," Navarre said. "I think this team has a great defensive line, a great corps of linebackers and a very solid secondary. They have the whole package."