Mpitts, though you are clearly a UM fan, I agree that for the most part you've stayed somewhat objective, so hats off on that one.
I'm not sure I buy your "hasn't faced a D like this" - Texas, defensively, is very similar to Michigan. Also note that Troy Smith has pretty much stayed in the pocket all season - I have a feeling we are going to see quite a bit of his running/rolling out by design.
Michigan also hasn't faced a D like OSU's - so that point could go either way.
Here's how I see the game/matchup:
OSU has the best offense in the country - 2 great RB's, Heisman winning QB, 2 electric WR's, with WR depth behind them as well, solid, punishing O-Line.
I think OSU comes out throwing the ball, and moving Smith out of the pocket, designed bootlegs, options, etc. That will loosen up the D and allow for the running game to have in impact as the game progresses. I think Michigan may have some success running the ball, and they will need to maintain that throughout the game to stay in it.
I think ultimately that turnovers make the difference in this game, and OSU wins 34 - 24.
That said, I do think these are the 2 best teams in the nation, but I'm not sure a rematch is good for college football. ND has no business in the championship game, not over a 1-loss SEC team, Florida or Arkansas. I'd personally like to see OSU-USC in the title game - though again I'm not saying I think USC is the 2nd best team in the nation.
Should be a fun week, I miss being on campus for it!