DETROIT ? For Big Ten football fans, it is a weekly ritual.

First they say Ohio State was lucky to win its last game. Then they say Ohio State is sure to lose its next game. Then they watch Ohio State win again.

The Buckeyes are 10-1 heading into today’s showdown against Michigan, but they also lead the nation in skeptics.

The Buckeyes beat Iowa, Purdue and San Diego State without scoring an offensive touchdown. They needed overtime to beat North Carolina State and Purdue, beat an awful Penn State team by a point and beat Bowling Green by a touchdown.

The Buckeyes really outdid themselves against Iowa, scoring on a blocked punt return for a touchdown, a punt return for a touchdown, a safety and a field goal. For those scoring at home, that’s Defense and Special Teams 16, Offense 3.

Of 117 Division I-A teams, Ohio State is 98th in total offense. The Buckeyes’ opponents have earned 15 more first downs than Ohio State.

This is why people call them the Luckeyes. But at least one Columbus native thinks the critics are full of it.

“Offense is overplayed by people who watch the game, by fans,” said Michigan defensive tackle Grant Bowman, who grew up in the Columbus suburb of Blacklick. “More important than scoring points and scoring touchdowns is not making mistakes, having a great kicking game and playing great defense.

“Teams that do that are extremely difficult to beat. You really have to create, instead of them giving you opportunities.”

One popular theory about the Buckeyes is that they win by creating turnovers without committing any themselves. That popular theory is garbage. Ohio State is 50th in the nation in turnover margin.

The other popular theory is that Ohio State has outstanding all-around special teams. Again: not true. Yes, Ohio State has a great kicker (Mike Nugent) and punter (B.J. Sander), but the Buckeyes are 10th in the Big Ten in kickoff returns and 11th in punt returns.

So how did the Buckeyes arrive at the season’s final regular-season game relatively unscathed?

Timeliness. The Buckeyes are better at making crucial fourth-quarter plays than any team in the country.

Last week against Purdue, Ohio State forced a fumble in the fourth quarter and scored a touchdown. It helps to have the best run defense in the land. Ohio State allows 50.5 rushing yards a game.

The combination of brick-wall run defense and timely big plays has given the Buckeyes an aura. Late in games, opponents have a tough time getting a yard or two when they need it — and the Buckeyes, having been in that position many times, expect to make the deciding play.

So while some people salivate over Michigan’s overall talent, Ohio State is confident.

“I don’t feel we’re an underdog at all,” defensive tackle Darrion Scott said. “We have a better record and all that kind of stuff. We’re both competing for the Big Ten title. I definitely don’t feel we’re an underdog at all.”