The 121st edition of college football's greatest rivalry takes center stage Saturday as the Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. This matchup carries enormous weight for Big Ten supremacy and College Football Playoff positioning, with the Buckeyes needing just one more win to reach the conference championship game.
Ohio State vs Michigan Betting Picks
Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State enters "The Big House" with one of the nation's most explosive offenses, averaging 37.9 points per game with a lethal 89.8% red zone conversion rate. The Wolverines, led by first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, will counter with their physical rushing attack that has churned out 2,458 yards on the ground this season.
This classic clash of styles pits the Buckeyes' high-octane passing game against Michigan's ground-and-pound identity. Ohio State's 440.3 yards per game will test a Wolverines defense that has been opportunistic with 12 interceptions. The key battleground may be third downs, where the Buckeyes hold a significant edge at 55.8% compared to Michigan's 48.6%.
Use the linked BetMGM bonus code to wager on this game and win $150 in bonus bets or get a $1,500 First Bet Offer.
Ohio State vs Michigan Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Ohio State -400, Michigan +311
- Spread: Ohio State -9.5 (-113)
- Total: Over/Under 43.5 (O -113 / U -107)
Betting odds courtesy of consensus odds
The betting markets have installed the visiting Buckeyes as substantial road favorites in this rivalry showdown. Ohio State's -400 moneyline reflects oddsmakers' confidence in their superiority, while the Wolverines enter as considerable +311 home underdogs. The 9.5-point spread favors the Buckeyes, with the 43.5 total suggesting a potentially lower-scoring affair than typical for these high-powered offenses.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, November 29
- Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Buckeyes vs Wolverines Statistical Breakdown
The numbers tell a compelling story of contrasting offensive philosophies. Ohio State brings a balanced but pass-heavy attack that generates 270.1 passing yards and 170.2 rushing yards per game. Their 37.9 points per contest ranks among the nation's elite scoring offenses.
Michigan operates with a more ground-oriented approach while contributing 196.9 passing yards per game. The Wolverines' 29.3 points per game is respectable but lacks the explosive capability of their rivals.
The key matchups center on Ohio State's aerial assault against Michigan's secondary, which has been opportunistic with those 12 interceptions. Running back J. Marshall has emerged as a focal point for the Wolverines after his three-touchdown performance last week, providing the ground game punch needed to control tempo.
Defensively, both teams bring similar pass rush capabilities with Ohio State recording 29 sacks compared to Michigan's 28. The Buckeyes hold a slight edge in turnover differential at +5 versus the Wolverines' +3, which could prove decisive in a rivalry game where every possession matters.
New users can claim the DraftKings promo code and score $200 in bonus bets for college football.
Ohio State vs Michigan Expert Pick and Prediction
While rivalry games often produce unexpected outcomes, the statistical advantages heavily favor Ohio State in this matchup. The Buckeyes' offensive efficiency, particularly their elite 55.8% third-down conversion rate, should prove decisive against a Michigan defense that has been solid but not spectacular.
Ohio State's ability to move the ball consistently and finish drives with touchdowns creates a significant mismatch against the Wolverines' more methodical approach. Michigan's strategy will likely focus on controlling the clock with their ground game, but the Buckeyes' balanced attack and superior red zone execution should eventually create separation.
The most compelling factor is Ohio State's scoring consistency at 37.9 points per game paired with their ability to extend drives in crucial situations. Michigan's 29.3 points per game average suggests they'll struggle to match the Buckeyes' offensive output over four quarters.
Best Bet: Ohio State -9.5
The Buckeyes' offensive firepower and efficiency advantages should be enough to cover the spread in Ann Arbor, even against a motivated Michigan team playing at home.