The games don’t get much bigger than this: Michigan and Ohio State have always been at odds, but this year’s encounter has a lot at stake.
For the winner: College Football Playoff hopes remain alive, and the team advances to the Big Ten Championship Game.
U-M hasn’t had an answer for the Buckeyes in many years. Do oddsmakers at Michigan sportsbooks think 2021 will be any different?
Ohio State at Michigan: 2021 NCAA Football Odds
Ohio State favored by more than a TD
Recent meetings between the Buckeyes and Wolverines haven’t been close.
With the past three decided by double figures, oddsmakers are giving OSU a lot of credit on the road this week.
Most sportsbooks have Ohio State listed as an 8-point road favorite against U-M. FoxBet Sportsbook actually has OSU as an 8.5-point favorite.
Moneylines for Michigan are ranging from +245 to +250, while Ohio State is around -300 to -320.
The over/under total for the game is listed at 63.5 points across the board.
Michigan has been strong at the betting window this season, going 9-2 against the spread. The under has been the play, with it hitting in six of the Wolverines’ 11 games.
Ohio State is just 6-4-1 against the spread on the season. The over has cashed in six of the Buckeyes’ 11 games.
Despite lackluster success in recent history, Michigan still has a 58-51-6 lead in the all-time series with Ohio State. However, the Buckeyes have won eight straight and 15 of the past 16 encounters. The 2010 meeting was ultimately vacated, though OSU won on the field 37-7.
How to watch: Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
- What: No. 4 Ohio State (10-1, 8-0 Big Ten) at No. 6 Michigan (10-1, 7-1)
- When: Noon ET, Saturday, Nov. 27
- Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
- TV: Fox (Announcers: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft)
- Online livestream: Fox Sports App
- Radio: Learfield Michigan Sports Network
No letdown for Michigan at Maryland
Michigan wasn’t caught looking ahead on Saturday when it traveled to Maryland. The Wolverines dominated the Terrapins 59-18.
U-M dominated from the start. Michigan put up 503 total yards and never trailed while holding Maryland to 359.
Cade McNamara continued his strong play in the season’s stretch run, throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 28 passing. McNamara has thrown for 217 yards or more in three of his past four games.
As Blake Corum continues to be out with an injury, Hassan Haskins has taken on the rushing load for Michigan. The senior had 78 yards and two scores on 20 carries against Maryland. He now is over 1,000 yards on the season. His status for Saturday is unknown, but Corum remains hopeful to play.
Freshman Donovan Edwards exploded in Saturday’s win. The running back actually led the team in receiving with 10 catches for 170 yards, including a 77-yard TD on a wheel route.
Michigan will need offensive production to beat the odds against Ohio State on Saturday. The Wolverines are now averaging 36.9 points and 447.9 yards per game.
Big College Football Playoff implications
Although Michigan is currently sixth in the College Football Playoff Rankings, this past weekend saw No. 3 Oregon fall. The Wolverines are likely to move up this week, as will No. 4 Ohio State.
A win on Saturday goes a long way for both teams in the Big Ten and CFP races.
Currently, BetMGM Sportsbook has Ohio State at +300 to win the national championship, a figure second only to Georgia (-125). Michigan sits tied for fifth in the race, but is way back at +4000.
Michigan is BetMGM’s biggest liability for the national title right now at 7.1% of the tickets and 5.9% of the handle. Ohio State is getting 9.4% of the tickets and 11.5% of the handle.
In the Big Ten odds race, the Buckeyes are a -200 favorite right now, while Michigan is next at +350. Only Wisconsin (+500) and Iowa (+2000) are also eligible for wagers.
Ohio State sends Michigan State back to reality
Ohio State wasn’t polite in putting an end to Michigan State’s Big Ten title and playoff hopes last Saturday.
The Buckeyes destroyed the Spartans 56-7, establishing a 49-0 lead in the opening half.
Ohio State put up 655 yards of offense in the win and held MSU to just 224 yards of offense.
The game was a big showcase for OSU quarterback C.J. Stroud and MSU running back Kenneth Walker III, who are among the favorites in the Heisman Trophy race.
Stroud threw for 432 yards and six touchdowns on Michigan State, while the Buckeyes held Walker to just 25 yards rushing on six carries.
Since the game, Stroud has moved into the position of Heisman favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. His odds have jumped to -200. Walker has fallen back to +2800 to win.
On the season, Ohio State ranks tops in the nation in scoring (47.2 ppg) and total offense (559.8 ypg). Their pass game (362.3 ypg) ranks sixth nationally as well.
They will be challenged by Michigan’s defense, which ranks ninth in total defense (306.2 ypg) and seventh in scoring defense (16.3 ppg).
Defensively for Ohio State, the Buckeyes give up just 19 points and 355.6 yards per game. However, Ohio State ranks 99th nationally in passing defense, allowing 252.1 yards per game.
