AnnArbor.com sportswriters Dave Birkett and Mike Rothstein discuss Michigan's football game every Friday. This week, they debate whether the Wolverines can snap their 6-game Big Ten losing streak and qualify for the postseason with a win over No. 9 Ohio State.

Michael Rothstein: Not gonna lie, can't wait until this matchup in basketball season. Should be two dandies with Evan Turner and Dallas Lauderdale vs. Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims. But this is football, and I have to admit this isn't much of a matchup. Michigan has not put together a complete game against a FBS team since the opener against Western Michigan. Ohio State is the class of the Big Ten and The Vest has owned Michigan throughout his career. On the field, Michigan has struggled with mobile quarterbacks (from Juice Williams to Daryll Clark even to Eastern Michigan's Andy Schmitt a little bit). Terrelle Pryor is a mobile quarterback, for sure, and a storyline I'm surprised hasn't been brought up more this week are his high school coach's comments earlier this season. If I'm Pryor and Jim Tressel, I'm using that to prove that Pryor's high school coach was wrong. And that's not even getting into the defense, which might be the best unit in the league.

Dave Birkett: Basketball already? You can tell you're not from Michigan if you've got hoops on the brain the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. Even in this dreadful year. Look, the Michigan-Ohio State game has temporarily lost some of its luster because a) Michigan can't beat Ohio State, and b) Michigan is in the midst of another disappointing season. But there's still something magical about the game. The play on the field might not be all that great - I know Ohio State won the Big Ten (again), but this is a team that got dump-trucked by Purdue - but it truly is a captivating rivalry. Pryor might have a big day against Michigan's defense (who doesn't?), but my guess is Jim Tressel stays conservative. No sense in going crazy with the playbook when you don't need to do that to win.

MR: Here's where I disagree with you, Dave. Tressel is a lot like Woody Hayes in that he wants to lay it all out there against Michigan. He gets what this game means to the Ohio State fan base, especially since the Buckeyes have been pretty poor in bowl performances under The Vest unless they play Notre Dame. I think Tressel is going to let Pryor loose. Plus, there's something to not wanting to be known as "the team that gave up the streak." When you've got a run going, like Ohio State does in the Big Ten and against Michigan, there's something to be said for that. Not only do you believe you can win, you believe you can't lose. Does that add more pressure? Yes. But it also a confidence boost if you grab a lead. Side note, and maybe this is why I'm better suited for comedy than coaching, but how funny would it be if every coach in the country coached in a sweater vest when they played Ohio State? Just sayin.

DB: I can see Rich in a vest now. ... Not his look. Michigan has its work cut out for it this weekend. You mentioned Ohio State's defense, it really is one of the best around. The front is deep and talented, and the linebackers make plays. On offense, Pryor isn't the only guy capable of a 100-yard game. Dan Herron and Brandon Saine have had their moments, and I don't have to tell you how shaky Michigan's defense has been. If Michigan's going to win, Tate Forcier needs to recapture that Notre Dame magic and someone - Vincent Smith? - has to make up for Brandon Minor's absence. What do you think? The 1969 team is back in town, can Michigan recapture some of that magic?

MR: I'm a sucker for history, Dave. It's part of why I love the History Channel, read biographies of past Presidents and am currently reading a biography by Nick Tosches about the famous gangster Arnold Rothstein (unsure on relation). Wanna know what else about history? That's what Michigan's season will be after Saturday. I really tried to be an optimist with this one. As you know, I even considered picking Michigan this week, except then the reality portion of my brain took over. Ohio State's defense is too good, Michigan's defense is too bad and as much as Michigan's fans don't want to believe it, right now the Buckeyes have the better coaching staff, too. Add that up, and it's Ohio State going away. I'm taking the Buckeyes, 42-17. And while this is all fun and games (or should be), one thing should be absolutely agreed upon: condolences to the Spielman family on the loss of Stefanie Spielman from cancer. Here's hoping Michigan does something to honor her passing Saturday.

DB: I don't think the game will be a total walk like it was last year. There's too much riding on it for Michigan not to show up, and I don't think players have given up on the season. I do think they're overmatched, though, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Pryor has a good game, Dan Herron rushes for 120 yards, and Tate Forcier spends plenty of time on his back thanks to that Buckeye defense. I think Michigan misses a bowl for a second straight season as Ohio State pulls away in the second half, 35-17.