Rivalry Week in college football is upon us. A week almost every program looks forward to every year, coinciding with Thanksgiving weekend, we could see seasons made or broken on Saturday.
This year, the first of the 12-team playoff era, is especially crazy, as there are more games with playoff implications than ever before.
College football is filled with legendary rivalries, but Ohio State-Michigan is one of the few with an argument for the best the sport has to offer.
Michigan vs Ohio State Odds
College football odds are current as of Tuesday, Nov. 26, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Michigan (+950) vs Ohio State (-1650)
- Spread: Michigan +20.5 (-108) vs Ohio State -20.5 (-112)
- Over/Under: Over 43 (-110) / Under 43 (-110)
Michigan vs Ohio State Prediction
Ohio State 31, Michigan 14
It’s no secret that Ohio State has been one of the best teams in the country this year, and Michigan has been a disappointment in its first year following the Jim Harbaugh era.
Michigan comes into “The Game” on a three-year winning streak. But with Ohio State vying for a first-round bye in the playoff and head coach Ryan Day’s seat warming up a bit if faced with the prospect of a fourth consecutive loss, I don’t expect the Wolverines to come out with a win here.
However, with a deep and storied rivalry, I expect Michigan to keep things closer than some might believe. Neither team is particularly impressive against the spread this season (Michigan 4-7, Ohio State 6-5), but that goes out the window in a game like this.
I expect the Wolverines to rely heavily on their running game, doing what they can to control the pace of the game and limit the Buckeyes’ time of possession and, ultimately, their opportunity to run up the score.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Michigan vs Ohio State Best Bets
Emeka Egbuka: Anytime TD (+100)
Sure, Egbuka hasn’t put up the yardage or catch numbers of his teammate Jeremiah Smith, but he has the same number of touchdowns on the season (nine). Combined, the two account for almost 70% of quarterback Will Howard’s touchdown passes this year.
Considering you’re getting more than a 50% discount on a guy who has been just as likely to score this season, Egbuka is the clear value play. Give me the guy with an equal chance but a better payout.
Back Egbuka to find paydirt on Saturday as one of your best college football bets today.
Donovan Edwards & Kalel Mullings: 40+ Rushing Yards (+166)
While Edwards came into the season expecting to be the star back in Michigan’s backfield, Mullings has led the way for the most part.
Still, this tandem has split the workload and is one of the most talented duos in the country, along with Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.
Both backs are seniors and have NFL aspirations, so Michigan should feature them heavily on offense in their last licks at Ohio State.
