College Football Showdown: Ohio State vs Michigan Amidst Winter Weather
FOX Weather Meteorologist Steve Bender breaks down everything you need to know for the college football world and the risk of weather impacting upcoming games.
The highly anticipated matchup between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is set to take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, with winter weather forecasted to make an appearance. Known as “The Game,” this BIG Ten conference football showdown has significant implications for the college football playoff bracket. Ohio State, currently ranked number one in the nation, will face off against 15th-ranked Michigan, with the winner potentially shaking up the playoff landscape.
Michigan must move up to the 10th-ranked team in the nation to make the playoffs, and a win against Ohio State would boost those odds. The college football playoffs take five conference winners from their respective divisions and seven outside bids, making this game a crucial conference matchup.
Weather Impact on the Game
The FOX Forecast Center predicts a medium risk of weather impacting the game (ROWI), with temperatures starting at 28 degrees and cloudy skies at kickoff. However, a few snow showers are expected to fall around 1 pm, which could affect the game’s outcome. The timing of the storm is the key question, with sustained winds of around 10 mph keeping the ROWI at a high-end low at minimum.
ROWI forecast for Ohio State vs Michigan football game (FOX Weather)
The weather will undoubtedly affect the game, especially at quarterback, where both teams have first-year starters. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin leads the nation in QBR, is number one in completion percentage, is fourth in passing touchdowns with 27, and is fifth in college football with 9.4 yards per passing attempt. He also passes for 275.5 yards per game.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes seen in action during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
For the Michigan Wolverines, true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood will be under center, looking to continue his early success after coming off a massive victory against the University of Maryland, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns. So far this season, Underwood has thrown for 2,166 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions.
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – SEPTEMBER 20: Bryce Underwood #19 of the Michigan Wolverines runs from the Nebraska Cornhuskers to score during the first half at Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
(Steven Branscombe / Getty Images)
Game Predictions and Series History
The Wolverines will have to do a diligent job of evenly distributing the ball both on the ground and through the air if they want to help their young QB succeed in potentially nasty weather. Michigan has won the last four matchups against Ohio State. The all-time series between the two teams stands at 120 total meetings, with Ohio State leading 51-62 and six ties.
If you plan on attending the game, be sure to dress warmly for strong wind gusts and snow showers in the stadium. FOX Weather Meteorologist Nick Kosir will be reporting live from the game through the weekend, tracking the latest ROWI as the storm’s impacts move closer. For more information on the game and the weather forecast, visit Here
Image Source: www.foxweather.com
