- No. 2 Ohio State hosts Michigan in a crucial rivalry matchup on Saturday
- Sharp money has moved the line from Ohio State -23.5 to -19.5
- Read below for our Michigan vs Ohio State prediction, updated odds and player props
The greatest rivalry in college football takes center stage once again as the Michigan Wolverines (6-5) travel to Columbus to face the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1) on Saturday, November 30th. Known simply as “The Game,” this matchup is always the most anticipated on both teams’ schedules, regardless of rankings or records.
The betting market has been buzzing with activity. After opening as 23.5-point favorites, the Buckeyes now sit at -19.5 over the Wolverines. FOX will broadcast this rivalry showdown at noon ET, with millions expected to tune in nationwide.
Ohio State enters this contest with a chance to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, Michigan looks to play spoiler and salvage a disappointing season under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore.
Michigan vs Ohio State Prediction
Despite their lackluster record, the Wolverines have shown flashes of their championship form, especially on defense. Michigan ranks in the top 10 nationally in yards per rush allowed and has stifled opponents’ ground games in recent weeks. However, they face their toughest test yet against an OSU offense averaging over 37 points per game.
The Buckeyes are led by transfer quarterback Will Howard, who has thrown for 2,685 yards and 26 touchdowns. His top target, Emeka Egbuka, needs just 150 receiving yards to crack Ohio State’s all-time top five.
But Michigan’s pass rush, spearheaded by edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, could cause problems for Howard, especially with the Buckeyes dealing with injuries on the offensive line.
A devastating turn of events for Ohio State, as starting center Seth McLaughlin is reportedly out with a torn Achilles 💔🙏@joelklatt reacts to how the loss of a “foundational piece of that offensive line” impacts a game with massive implications in the Big Ten. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ozHMtqphcI
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) November 20, 2024
Weather could also play a factor, with forecasts calling for temperatures in the 20s and strong winds. This may force both teams to rely more heavily on the run game, which could benefit Michigan.
Senior running back Donovan Edwards has been a bright spot, rushing for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns. He gashed Ohio State for 200+ yards in Columbus two years ago.
Throwback to when Donovan Edwards absolutely OWNED Ohio State 🔥#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/7KHqh3c34w
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 30, 2024
Smart money also speaks volumes here. Sharp bettors have backed Michigan, driving the line down from Ohio State -23.5 to -19.5. The combination of the Wolverines’ stout defense and the potential for inclement weather makes the underdog an enticing plus-money bet.
While the Buckeyes are clearly the more talented team, rivalry games often defy expectations. The influx of sharp money on Michigan makes me believe this could be closer than the spread indicates.
I’m picking Michigan +19.5 as the best bet, banking on Don Brown’s defense to keep it within three scores and Donovan Edwards to find success on the ground in the inclement weather.
- Prediction: Michigan +19.5 (-110)
For more CFB picks and analysis, check out my Week 14 ATS Picks article.
Updated Michigan vs Ohio State Odds
The betting action has been noteworthy this week. Sharp money targeted Michigan after Ohio State opened as 23.5-point home favorites. The spread now sits at Ohio State -19.5, signaling that the pros see value in backing the Wolverines.
On the moneyline, Ohio State stands at -2800, while Michigan offers a tempting +1160 payout. Oddsmakers have set the total at 42.5 points, suggesting a lower-scoring affair than we typically see in this rivalry.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | +19.5 (-110) | +1160 | Over 42.5 (-105) |
| Ohio State | -19.5 (-110) | -2800 | Under 42.5 (-115) |
The line movement reflects the impact of Michigan’s strong defensive play and the potential for inclement weather to affect the game. While Ohio State remains a heavy favorite, the Buckeyes may not have as easy of a time as originally anticipated.
The over/under has also seen some interesting movement. After opening at 43.5, the total dipped as low as 41.5 at some books midweek before settling at a consensus of 42.5. This indicates bettors are expecting a lower-scoring, run-heavy affair in the forecasted cold temperatures and high winds.
Both teams rank in the top 50 nationally in rushing attempts per game, adding further credence to this theory of a low-scoring affair.
Odds as of November 29, 2024, at BetMGM Sportsbook. Get a BetMGM promo code to wager on Michigan-OSU.
Michigan vs Ohio State Player Props
| Player | Prop | Line | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Edwards | Rushing Yards | Over 40.5 | +100 |
| Donovan Edwards | Anytime TD | – | +250 |
| Emeka Egbuka | Receiving TD | – | -105 |
CFB Player Props odds as of Nov. 30 at Bet365 Sportsbook.
In terms of props, several options stand out, starting with Michigan’s bell cow running back Donovan Edwards. The senior captain has rushed for 100+ yards in three of his last five games, including a season-high 174 yards last week against Northwestern.
With Michigan likely to lean on the ground game due to the weather and quarterback Davis Warren’s limitations, Edwards should see north of 20 carries. Back him to exceed his 40.5 rushing yards and find paydirt.
On the Ohio State side, Emeka Egbuka’s touchdown prop is always in play. The dynamic wide receiver leads the team with nine touchdown catches and has found the end zone in four of the last five games. Michigan’s secondary is vulnerable, ranking outside the top 50 in passing yards allowed, setting the stage for a vintage Egbuka performance.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is set to take place this weekend, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams have had successful seasons so far, with Michigan boasting a 10-1 record and Ohio State sitting at 9-2.
As the game approaches, sportsbooks have released updated odds for the game, with Michigan currently favored to win by 4 points. This comes as no surprise, as the Wolverines have been dominant on both sides of the ball this season, ranking in the top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense.
However, Ohio State is not to be underestimated, as they have a potent offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and a defense that has shown improvement throughout the season. The Buckeyes will be looking to spoil Michigan’s playoff hopes and extend their winning streak against their rivals.
In terms of player props, there are several key players to keep an eye on in this game. For Michigan, quarterback Cade McNamara will be looking to continue his strong play and lead the offense against a tough Ohio State defense. Running back Hassan Haskins has been a force in the running game and will be crucial in controlling the clock and keeping the Buckeyes’ offense off the field.
On the other side, Ohio State’s offense is loaded with playmakers, including wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Both players have the ability to break open a game with their speed and route running, and will be key targets for Stroud throughout the game.
As for predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close and hard-fought battle between two of the top teams in the country. While Michigan may have the edge on paper, Ohio State has a history of success in this rivalry and will be motivated to come out on top.
Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can make key plays in crucial moments, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this game go down to the wire. Fans can expect a thrilling matchup between these two powerhouse programs, with playoff implications on the line.
