COLUMBUS, Ohio — Every day, Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon walks past the countdown in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, a gentle reminder throughout the year of the matchup against Michigan and what’s to come in late November. That reminder is no longer very gentle.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore watches against Northwestern during Saturday's game in Ann Arbor, Mich. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan's defense of the national championship has fallen woefully short.

Michigan quarterback Davis Warren knows the path to a fourth straight win over Ohio State, even if the numbers can't see it.

In order for Michigan to have any chance in this football game, they have to shorten it and make it an ugly lower-scoring affair. They must lean into their defense, which is still