The Game Has Been A Rather One-Sided Affair

You can conjure up every hackneyed cliché imaginable for the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan but one thing is for sure: the Buckeyes have owned The Game for years. Ohio State has won 12 of the past 13 meetings with Michigan, including each of the past five dating back to 2011. Ohio State looks to keep its college playoff hopes alive with yet another victory against Michigan in Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Despite the one-sided nature of the rivalry, last year’s iteration was an all-time classic. Ohio State picked up a 30-27 double-overtime victory thanks to a Sportsbooky call by coach Urban Meyer to go for the win instead of the tie. Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett struggled passing in that game but dominated with his feet, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Working on the ground might be Ohio State’s path to victory in this one as well with their stable of running backs going off recently. The Buckeyes have rushed for 660 yards and eight touchdowns in the past two games thanks in large part to the explosive ability of Mike Weber. The sophomore back is averaging 13.5 yards per carry in the past two and has found the end zone four times.

The Wolverines happily head back to Ann Arbor after a devastating loss to Wisconsin last week. Aside from the box score, Michigan also saw quarterback Brandon Peters leave the game with a head injury after a controversial hit. In addition, leading rusher Karan Higdon had limited action after suffering an ankle injury the previous week. Their status will be vital to Michigan’s ability to compete offensively this week. 

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Several shops tracked by OddsShark (including Sportsbook) set the point spread at 13 for the Michigan Wolverines. NCAA football bettors had to wait for the Sportsbook OVER/UNDER value, which was not available at press time. Check the live lines pages here for the latest totals updates.

OddsShark prediction models picked the Buckeyes to win this game on Saturday 40-25. Check the picks page or matchup report during the week as factors may cause that prediction to be re-run. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

Michigan brings an 8-3 record (4-6-1 ATS) to the Week 13 betting matchup against the 9-2 Ohio State Buckeyes, who are 5-6 against the spread. OVER/UNDER betting has seen Michigan go 5-6 so far and the Buckeyes go 8-3. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Michigan vs Ohio State injuries news.

The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Wolverines rated this week at No. 27 and the Buckeyes sitting at No. 1.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Michigan Wolverines' No. 83-ranked offense (26.27 PPG) against a Ohio State Buckeyes defense that ranks No. 22 at 19.82 PPG. The Wolverines passing attack has averaged 166.18 yards per game, less than the Buckeyes give up through the air (177.55 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Buckeyes own the league's No. 11-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 105.25 yards per game when on the road. Michigan, on the other hand, rates No. 23 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Mike Weber went over the 100-yard mark (108) in his team's latest effort as Ohio State defeated Illinois by a score of 52-14 on Saturday.

The Wolverines suffered a Week 12 loss against Wisconsin in their last game, falling 24-10 at Camp Randall Stadium.

Next Betting Matchups

Ohio State home to Wisconsin, Saturday, December 2