The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes face off on Saturday in a college football showdown at Ohio Stadium. The winner of this game goes to the Big Ten Championship game, while the Loser will be sweating when the college football playoff is announced.
Michigan comes into this game with an 11-0 record and they have gone 6-4-1 against the spread. In the last game against Illinois, Michigan was really tested, but they ended up winning 19-17. Star running back Blake Corum is dealing with a knee injury and it’s unclear if he’s going to be able to go in this game. If he can’t go, that will be a big blow to Michigan’s chances. Michigan is averaging 39.4 points while their defense is giving up 11.7 points per game. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy has thrown for 1,952 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions this year.
On the other side of this matchup is Ohio State who sits with an 11-0 record and they have gone 5-5-1 against the spread. In the last game against Maryland they were also really tested, but ended up winning 43-30. Quarterback CJ Stroud completed 18 of his 30 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Ohio State is averaging 46.5 points while their defense is giving up 16.9 points per game. At times they have struggled to stop the run, and in this game they are going to need to be strong.
The over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Ohio State. The over is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings between Ohio State and Michigan. The underdog is 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings played between the two teams.
Even if Corum starts, I think Ohio State’s defense will be good. Last year they struggled against the run, but in this game, that is going to change. The Buckeyes have a big advantage at quarterback, and CJ Stroud, is going to pass all over this Wolverines defense. Look for Michigan’s offense to struggle to get 17 points, and Ohio State will cover the spread. Back the Buckeyes against the spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
