COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There is certainly a lot at stake this weekend in Columbus, as the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes play host to the second-ranked Michigan Wolverines. Hanging in the balance are the Big Ten title, as well as a guaranteed spot in the national title game.

Both teams have traveled similar paths, bringing flawless 11-0 records into the contest. Jim Tressel's Buckeyes have run the table and really haven't looked vulnerable outside of a 17-10 win at Illinois two weeks ago. The team returned to its dominant self last weekend at Northwestern however, cruising to a 54-10 win over the Wildcats. Lloyd Carr's squad had a scare of its own two weeks ago against Ball State (34-26), but seemed much more focused last week at Indiana, crushing the Hoosiers, 34-3. This will be the 103rd all-time meeting between these two long-time rivals, with Michigan holding a 57-39-6 advantage. The Wolverines have won six of the last 10 matchups , but it was Ohio State getting the win last year, a 25-21 thriller in Ann Arbor.

The Michigan offense has performed well this season thanks to a balanced attack. The ground game has really set everything up, with the team churning out almost 200 yards per game rushing (194.5). Veteran tailback Mike Hart is the primary reason for that, as he has been a workhorse, amassing 1,373 yards and 11 TDs, on almost five yards per carry (4.9). One of the best tailbacks in the country, Hart (124.8 ypg) will need to perform at a top level this week, if the Wolverines are to get the win in Columbus. Quarterback Chad Henne has certainly benefited from a strong ground game, as he has completed 61.9 percent of his passes, for 1,932 yards with 18 TDs. It helps to have the kind of receiving stable that Michigan has. Steve Breaston leads the team in receptions (48), going for 537 yards with one TD. Both Adrian Arrington (31 receptions, for 420 yards and six TDs) and Mario Manningham (26 receptions, for 538 yards and nine TDs) have provided plenty of big plays as well.

Defense has been the name of the game in Ann Arbor this year. The Wolverines rank among the nation's best in several categories, allowing just 12.1 ppg (fifth nationally), on 231.5 yards of total offense (third nationally). The rush defense is the best in the country at just 29.9 yards per game (1.3 ypc). This is a team that knows how to turn things loose and get upfield. The Wolverines have amassed a whopping 84 TFLs on the season with 41 sacks. All- American candidate Lamar Woodley is one of the nation's best pass rushers. The 6-2, 270-pound senior leads Michigan in TFLs (15.5) and the conference in sacks (11). Fellow ends Rondell Biggs and Tim Jamison also know how to get after opposing QBs with five sacks apiece. Senior middle linebacker David Harris has been a tackling machine this year, leading the way by a large margin with 85 total tackles. He has also collected 14 TFLs, four sacks and one INT.

Ohio State sits atop the national polls thanks to stellar play on both sides of the football. The offense has been every bit as potent as the defense in Columbus, with the team averaging a robust 35.8 ppg. Moving the ball on the ground (179.5 ypg) and through the air (221.8 ypg) have both been easy for this squad, thanks in large part to Heisman frontrunner Troy Smith. The veteran signal-caller has been outstanding this year, completing 66.4 percent of his passes, for 2,191 yards, with 26 TDs and just four INTs. His accuracy along with the ability to move around in the pocket make him one of the most dangerous players in the nation. The talent is not limited to the quarterback position, with wideouts Ted Ginn Jr. (51 receptions, for 677 yards and eight TDs) and Anthony Gonzalez (45 receptions, for 673 yards and seven TDs) representing one of the most productive duos in the country. Last, but certainly not least, is the rushing attack, led by tailback Antonio Pittman. The 5-11, 195-pound junior is averaging almost five yards per carry (4.8) and has amassed 1,032 yards on the year with 12 TDs.

The Ohio State defense has been every bit as impressive if not more so. The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense (7.8 ppg) and are allowing a mere 261.7 yards of offense per outing (eighth nationally). This squad is chock-full of playmakers, a fact that is apparent in the numbers. OSU has already forced 27 turnovers, including 21 interceptions. In addition, the team has registered 83 TFLs and 33 sacks in the first 11 games. Leading this aggressive defense is Butkus Award finalist James Laurinaitis. The 6-3, 245-pound sophomore has had a huge season, pacing the team in tackles (91), with 8.5 TFLs, four sacks, five interceptions and three forced fumbles. Sophomore cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (44 tackles) has made his presence felt on passing downs, with four INTs. Senior defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock (10 TFLs, 8.0 sacks) has been a force up front this season and is a Lombardi Award finalist. He gets plenty of help along the defensive line from sophomore end Vernon Gholston (14 TFLs, 7.5 sacks).

The Wolverines' ability to disrupt Troy Smith in passing situations is the key to this game. If the ultra-talented Smith can rise to the occasion, which he has certainly shown an ability to do so, then the Buckeye faithful will have plenty to celebrate this weekend.