The college football regular season concludes this weekend with one of the biggest rivalries in sports. The Michigan Wolverines (6-5) travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1) in a game that will define the season for each program.
The No. 2 ranked Buckeyes are coming off a 38-15 thrashing of Indiana that solidified their standing in the Big Ten, while Michigan defeated Northwestern 50-6 to secure bowl eligibility.
While Michigan won last year’s matchup between the two teams before winning the national championship, the Wolverines were gutted by graduations, transfers and suspensions, leading to their underwhelming season.
On the other hand, the Buckeyes are No. 5 in the latest CFP rankings and have played like one of the best teams in the country. They’re -170 to win the Big Ten at FanDuel and are near-locks to make the College Football Playoff.
Still, you can throw records out the window in a rivalry game like this. Here’s everything you need to know about this huge matchup and how to bet on it at our favorite college football betting sites.
Game Details
- Matchup: Michigan vs. Ohio State
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 (Week 14)
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
- Watch: FOX
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Michigan +1100, Ohio State -2500
- Spread: Michigan +21 (-115), Ohio State -21 (-105)
- Total: Over/Under 42.5 (-115/-105)
Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook and subject to change.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Moneyline
In last year’s matchup, the Wolverines were three-point favorites on the spread. A year later, they’re three-touchdown underdogs, and there’s a case that the spread should be even bigger.
The Buckeyes are one of the best teams in the country and boast countless stars on both sides of the ball, while the Wolverines barely earned bowl eligibility and lost to Washington this year.
The Buckeyes are undefeated at home this year, so back Ohio State to pick up its first win in this rivalry since 2019.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Spread
At first glance, this spread might seem too large considering how much this game means to both sides.
However, it’s not unreasonable given this rivalry’s recent history. Five of the past 11 OSU-Michigan games have been decided by at least 21 points, including three of the last five.
Still, Michigan’s offense found a rhythm last week against Northwestern, which should carry over into this week’s matchup. The last time there was a spread this big in this rivalry, the Wolverines lost by 14 but still covered.
We think that will happen again on Saturday. The Wolverines may not lead at all, but we think they’ll keep it within 21 points.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Over/Under
There have been points galore in this rivalry as of late, and we don’t see that changing any time soon.
Not only has the Over hit in the last 10 matchups between these two teams, there have also been at least 45 points in every OSU-Michigan game since 2010. Ohio State has one of the nation’s best offenses, and Michigan should score enough to hold up its end of the bargain after last week’s impressive showing.
Back the Over in this game.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Props
Davis Warren Over 0.5 Passing Touchdowns (-102)
Warren’s been in and out of the Wolverines’ lineup this season and has struggled with consistency, but he’s stepped up in their biggest games this year. He’s thrown at least one touchdown in five of the seven games he’s played in, including games against No. 3 Texas and No. 1 Oregon.
Ohio State’s defensive backs struggled in the first half against Indiana last week, and we think Warren should be able to notch at least one score through the air.
Emeka Egbuka Over 54.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
Star freshman Jeremiah Smith has garnered plenty of attention for the Buckeyes this season, but Egbuka’s been no slouch and is coming off seven catches for 80 yards last week.
Michigan will spend plenty of time focusing on Smith, which should help Egbuka’s volume. Back the senior to get the ball early and often and hit the Over on this prop.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Same-Game Parlay
- Michigan +6.5 1st Quarter Spread
- Donovan Edwards 40+ Rushing Yards
- Will Howard 2+ Passing Touchdowns
- Total odds: +468
As we mentioned above, these games tend to be close in the early going, which is why we’re backing Michigan to be aggressive early on and keep the score close.
Edwards should be prominently featured on the ground for the Wolverines. He’s cleared 40 rushing yards in three straight games and is averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season.
Lastly, we love Howard’s chances of throwing for two touchdowns. Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly isn’t afraid to take shots downfield and also isn’t afraid to throw the ball on the goal line.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Ohio State (-2500). Ohio State is one of the best teams in the country, while Michigan isn’t. That said, you should only take this as a parlay leg.
- Spread: Michigan +21 (-115). The Wolverines aren’t good enough to win but will play hard and should keep this game close.
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-115). Points are scored in bunches in this rivalry, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the total soars into the 50s.
- Davis Warren Over 0.5 Passing Touchdowns (-102). Warren is nowhere near as good as Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, but he’s proven he can get the ball into the end zone against good teams.
- Emeka Egbuka Over 54.5 Receiving Yards (-114). Jeremiah Smith will get his, but Egbuka should benefit from the extra attention on the star freshman.
- SGP – Michigan +6.5 1st Q, Edwards 40+ Rushing Yards, Howard 2+ Passing TDs (+468): These games tend to follow a script, and all three of these outcomes are in play. If we’re lucky, this parlay could hit by halftime.
Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images.
