NO. 7 OHIO STATE (10-1) AT NO. 23 MICHIGAN (8-3)

* Kickoff: Saturday 9 a.m. PST.

* TV: Channel 7.

* Line: Ohio State by 4 1/2 .

* Ohio State update: The Buckeyes must regroup after having their hopes for a national championship end with a loss to Illinois last week. The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense at 11.4 points a game and they are second in total defense at 237.5 yards a game. But Illinois had 400 yards in offense, including 260 on the ground. Running back Chris Wells and quarterback Todd Boeckman lead a ball-control offense.

* Michigan update: The Wolverines had an eight-game win streak ended last week against Wisconsin but can still overcome that and their 0-2 start to win the conference. They may have to do it without quarterback Chad Henne and running back Mike Hart, who are uncertain to play. Henne has an injured shoulder and Hart has sat out three of the last four games because of an injured ankle. He is 12th in the nation with 1,188 yards rushing.

* Story line: The Big Ten title and a spot in the Rose Bowl are on the line -- the 25th time this rivalry will decide the conference champion. For the first time since 1959, both teams are coming off losses. Michigan leads the series, 57-40-6, but Ohio State has won the last three.

* The pick: Michigan. You have to figure Hart and Henne will do whatever they can to play, and if they do the Wolverines are better.

- PETER YOON