Michigan vs. Ohio State Pick
Will No. 3 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State live up to the hype of their physical rivalry when they meet up Saturday at Noon ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Ohio State is favored at home in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -6.5 points against the Wolverines. The over/under total is listed at just 45.5 points. Ohio State has won four straight meetings with Michigan and the two have hit the over in three straight encounters.
Bet on Michigan vs. Ohio State
Ohio State is coming off a 17-16 win at Michigan State last week to move to 10-1 on the season and 7-1 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are 6-5 with the under this season, hitting it in three of their last four home games. Ohio State ranks fifth in the country in points allowed, giving up just 13 points per game. They also are fourth in total defense, allowing only 280 yards per game. J.T. Barrett is quietly putting together a Heisman campaign, as he has thrown for 2,304 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 722 yards and eight scores. Mike Weber has added 1,046 yards and eight touchdowns. Curtis Samuel has added 650 rushing yards and 790 receiving yards with 14 total touchdowns.
Michigan is coming off a 20-10 win over Indiana last week at home to move to 10-1 on the season and 7-1 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are now 7-4 with the under, but 2-1 with the over on the road. Michigan ranks tops in the nation defensively in both points allowed (10.9 ppg) and yards allowed (246 ypg). However, the concern is on offense. Though Michigan is averaging 42.3 points and 451.1 yards per game, they have scored just 33 points in their last two games combined as QB Wilton Speight is injured with a collarbone issue. He is questionable to play, and if he can’t, John O’Korn will fill in. O’Korn was just 7 of 16 passing for 59 yards in last week’s win over Indiana. Either way, U-M is likely to turn to its run game, which averages 235.3 yards per game this year. De’Veon Smith is the leading rusher with 750 yards and 10 scores, but three others have 417 yards or more.
NCAA FB QUICK LINKS: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats | Standings
Many expected a physical, hard-fought game last year and Ohio State rolled to a 42-13 win in Ann Arbor. However, Ohio State isn’t quite as good this season and I think the Michigan defense is much better. Both defensive units will be hard to move on. Michigan’s offense is going to struggle with QB issues while the Ohio State defense may not be able to be its usual self without its powerful rushing attack. I expect this game to be very low scoring.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 13 PICK: MICHIGAN/OHIO STATE UNDER 45.5