Is Ohio State football better positioned to beat Michigan in 2023? Hey, Nathan!

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football is already a betting underdog to Michigan for its Nov. 25 game in Ann Arbor, and will open the season behind its rival in several prominent rankings.

On the other hand, that betting line is minuscule. The separation in those rankings should also be small. On paper, The Game looks neck and neck right now.

One of our Buckeye Talk Subtext subscribers is looking for reasons for optimism that OSU can break a two-game losing streak in the sport’s greatest rivalry.

Recommended Buckeyes stories

• Ohio State, Michigan already trying to catch Hoban’s Elbert Hill IV
• Elite 2026 QB Julian Lewis puts OSU his top 8: Buckeyes Recruiting Roundup
• Ohio State vs. Michigan State 1998 -- Pain and lessons from a great team’s only loss on Buckeye ReTalkables

Hey, Nathan: “Let me get you into a friendly challenge. Ohio State lost at home to Michigan last year with a first-round Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback, a first-round offensive tackle and another draft pick OT. This is all gone now, and The Game is played on the road this year. Give me three to five reasons why you might see the Buckeyes winning this year (with a confidence level out of 10 for each reason).” — Khaled, San Diego

Hey, Khaled: Challenge accepted. I’ll give you three easy ones, though only two come with true optimism right now.

Four starters departed, though only Zach Harrison was an NFL Draft pick. A slew of the team’s most important defensive players enter their pivotal third seasons: J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock and Mike Hall just to mention a few.

Everyone has a year of experience in Jim Knowles’ system, and he should better know how to utilize the returning talent. Not that there were any excuses for the explosive touchdowns the first time around, but there can be none this year. Confidence level: 8

Ohio State scored three second-half points against the Wolverines last season — a systemic failure somewhat overshadowed by the long touchdowns allowed. As well as Chip Trayanum ran in The Game, we can safely assume the absences of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams late last season interrupted this offense.

Not only do both have a chance to be healthy for this year’s game, Dallan Hayden and possibly Evan Pryor could be bigger factors if needed. Confidence level: 7

Ryan Day came out of The Game convinced that OSU needed more aggression and confidence against Georgia. The results in the Peach Bowl should influence how this team approaches games this season. Maybe Brian Hartline’s elevated involvement in the game planning — and, presumably, play calling — further invigorates the approach. This one, though, falls into the “believe it when I see it” category. Confidence level: 5

If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.