Ohio State vs. Michigan: Best bets, odds, and predictions

MatchupNo. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 MichiganGametimeSaturday, Nov. 25, 2023, 12 P.M. ETLocationMichigan Stadium, Ann Arbor MIWatchFOX Sports, fuboTVListenBig 10 Radio Network

The biggest rivalry in college football renews on Saturday in The Big House when the Michigan Wolverines host the Ohio State Buckeyes for “The Game.” It’s a clash between the two best teams in what is probably the best conference in the sport, with both teams undefeated. Each team has a claim to a spot in the College Football Playoff.

For football fans in Michigan, this game between U of M and “that team down south” is one of the best reasons to bet on college football . The top sportsbooks will have bonus bets and welcome offers for you to use, like Caesars Sportsbook , which is offering a $1,000 first bet offer to new sign- ups.

For the first time in five years, Michigan is favored by the oddsmakers to beat Ohio State. In each of the last two years, the Wolverines have defeated the Buckeyes, by a combined 85-50 score. The spread may tighten as we approach kickoff, so check your favorite sports betting site for the latest odds.

How much will Harbaugh absence cost Wolverines?

Whether you think the alleged sign-stealing scandal is overblown or a travesty, the fact is: head coach Jim Harbaugh cannot be on the sidelines for the rivalry game against Ohio State. A distraction or a dastardly deed, it doesn’t matter, because Harbaugh will have to do his game coaching ahead of The Game.

Certainly, interim head coach Sherrone Moore will know what Harbaugh wants for the OSU game, but there may come a time when a tough decision needs to be made in-game.

What will Harbaugh’s absence cost Michigan? Is it a touchdown? Four points? Maybe just two points? No one knows for sure, but it’s probably less crucial than most think. The team is galvanized. The team is well-coached and prepared. The team is irritated.

You can tell that from the “” t-shirts. Whether Michigan did something against the rules to gain an advantage or not, the players and coaches feel unfairly attacked. In some ways, the Wolverines aren’t just playing OSU on Saturday, they’re battling the entire Big 10.

Some think Harbaugh won’t be back next season following the harassment he and his program have been under since September. Harbaugh has even started channeling Ted Lasso in his approach to the last few games of this season.

Will it work? The Wolverines are 5-0 without Harbaugh on the sidelines this season, stemming from two absences over alleged infractions in his program. If this is the swan song for Harbaugh in The Game, his players will want to end an era with an exclamation point.

Michigan players are wearing Free Harbaugh shirts. Pray for Maryland. pic.twitter.com/7NxijSa9e9

— Barstool Sports November 18, 2023

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The Over is a good bet for Saturday: odds from FanDuel are 45.5 on the OVER/UNDER. A $110 winning bet on the OVER would get you $100.

Can Ohio State offensive line support a run attack?

Much is made of Michigan’s O-line, and rightfully so. The Wolverines run attack averages 171 yards per game on 38 attempts, and nearly three scores on the ground. But, the OSU offensive unit has gelled as the season has transpired and now serves as a strength.

This storyline will play a big part in Saturday’s game: whether the Buckeyes can keep their offense on the field for sustained drives to wear down the Michigan defense. If OSU can’t gain first downs running the ball, it could be another blowout loss to their rival.

If the Buckeyes cannot run the ball as well as they hope, that could mean more of Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Cade Stover in the mix. Stover has burned the Wolverines before, and Harrison is a talent on par with others to have made a big name in The Game, including Charles Woodson and Maurice Clarett.

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In case you haven't heard, is Saturday.

Here's one highlight from each of the last 10 Michigan-Ohio State matchups. pic.twitter.com/csZ13g0nDB

— Big Ten Football November 19, 2023

Which defense will force the most turnovers?

The central story of this matchup is the defensive units. Michigan ranks first nationally in scoring defense, and Ohio State is second. But the defenses may be best analyzed by looking at what they have to deal with.

Michigan will be facing OSU quarterback Kyle McCord and his 2,900-yard throwing arm. But McCord has been far more comfy at The Horseshoe in Columbus than he has on the road. He also doesn’t have the mobility to escape a constant pass rush. The Wolverines could suffocate McCord and create many long-yardage situations for a QB who hasn’t had to convert many 3rd downs with his arm.

On the other hand, Ohio State will battle against one of the nation’s best QBs J.J. McCarthy, a likely top pick in next year’s NFL Draft. McCarthy is a good decision-maker, and apt to wiggle his way out of pressure. He also has more weapons downfield.

Neither Michigan nor OSU turn the football over much, but the Wolverines have an edge in TO’s on defense, 18-11. As always, the TO margin will go a long way to determining which of these heavyweight teams wins on Saturday.

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Game prediction: Michigan 32, Ohio State 28

The last time Michigan won The Game in three straight years was in 1997. The Wolverines hold a 60-51-6 edge in the all-time series between the schools. We see a spirited game of back-and-forth, perhaps even a comeback win for the home team.

More points will be put on the board than many experts think: the playmakers will be hard to stop in this contest. The weather, likely to be wet and cold in Ann Arbor, isn’t expected to produce snow, and the offenses should have their footing to move the ball.

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