Ohio State vs Michigan Betting Preview

We are entering into one of the most exciting weeks of the season highlighted by the historic Michigan vs. Ohio State matchup. All of the "M's" on Ohio State's campus are crossed out ahead of one of the most crucial games of the year for both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

The winner of this game will get into the Big Ten Championship and have a good shot at making the College Football Playoff if they win the Big Ten. No. 2 Ohio State is coming off a 56-7 win against Michigan State. No. 5 Michigan took care of Maryland 59-18 last weekend.

The game will be aired on FOX at noon on Saturday.

Odds

The Buckeyes are predicted at -8 by oddsmakers with odds of -110 to cover that spread. Michigan has odds of -110 to win at +8. The over/under for the game is 64.5, with odds of -113 to bet the over or -108 on the under.

The Buckeyes are 6-2 in their last eight games against the spread and 8-0 straight up in their last eight games against Michigan. The Wolverines are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games. The over has hit all seven times of the past seven games between the two teams.

Keys Players in this Matchup

For Ohio State, CJ Stroud and the receivers will be the big determinant if the Buckeyes will win this matchup. They have been explosive all season and are only getting better each week as they begin to get comfortable playing with each other.

The key part of the Buckeyes' recent success has been the emergence of their defense. At the start of the season, when they lost to Oregon, their defense was nowhere to be found. The defense will need to show up again as it did last week, only giving up seven points to Michigan State.

Junior quarterback Cade Mcnamara will be an X-factor for this Michigan offense. He has only 14 touchdowns this season but has limited his mistakes by only throwing two interceptions. Hassan Haskins will also be a crucial part as he is averaging 4.9 yards per rush and 13 touchdowns on the season.

The Michigan defense, especially against the pass, has been outstanding this season. They will be tested greatly with the weapons that Ohio State has in its passing game. Expect Josh Ross and the defense to step up to try to put pressure on the young Ohio State quarterback.

Expected Outcome

This is one of the most exciting games of the season, and it makes it even better when everything is on the line. Jim Harbaugh is 0-4 against the Buckeyes and is hoping to get his first win with one of his best teams at Michigan.

It is hard to bet against Ohio State after the performance they had last week against Michigan State, who beat Michigan. I am all in on the Buckeyes and think they have proven to be a legitimate team on both sides of the ball who are hungry for another trip to the College Football Playoff.