The sportsbook world will be abuzz this weekend with rivalry week arriving in full force. Though Michigan isn’t the power it once was – not even close – it still always seems to give Ohio State an interesting run. Interestingly enough, the Wolverines have more to play for this week. Ohio State is set to play in the Rose Bowl while Michigan is fighting for its bowl-game life.
(9) Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, November 21, 12:00 p.m. ET
Sports betting favorite: Ohio State -12
We at least know Michigan has an emotional advantage on Saturday, playing in the Big House and with much bigger motivation. But does it have the personnel to hang with Ohio State?
It’s hard to know what we’ll see from the Wolverines this week. Freshman pivot Tate Forcier made decent strides early in the season but took a step back at Wisconsin last week, throwing for just 188 yards. Meanwhile, Michigan’s usually-potent rushing attack, which entered the Wisconsin game averaging 200 yards per contest, fell flat with just 71 yards. Simply put, Michigan’s offensive starters just have to be better to have any chance against a stout Ohio State “D” on Saturday. The Buckeyes have stymied much better teams – they shut down Iowa in overtime to earn their Rose Bowl berth – so they won’t be intimidated by Michigan’s attack.
Ohio State’s offense isn’t the driving force behind its success but quarterback Terrelle Pryor is improving, making more plays with his feet than he did earlier in the season. His scrambling ability will keep Michigan honest; the Wolverines got embarrassed by Wisconsin last week, allowing 45 points – their most ever against the Badgers.
On paper, the natural edge goes to Ohio State, but this isn’t the week to pick the Buckeyes. They had a huge emotional high with their overtime win last week. Rivalry or not, how can we expect them to bring it in a game that has no bearing on the rest of their season? Michigan should get fired up on front of the home crowd and overachieve. It’s just another game to the Buckeyes but it may as well be the Super Bowl odds for the Wolverines. Bet on Michigan to at least beat the 12-point spread.
College football betting pick: Michigan +12
