Wolverines Laying 9.5 at Home to Ohio State in “The Game”; Harbaugh Is 0-4 vs Buckeyes

• Ohio State beat Michigan 62-39 last season at Ohio Stadium
• Michigan has not beat Ohio State since 2011
• Michigan has covered three of the last five meetings – read below for a prediction on how this line might move

The #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0 SU, 8-3 ATS) will charge into The Big House to take on the #13 Michigan Wolverines (8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS) in a classic Big Ten matchup.

Ohio State dominated Michigan in this matchup last year winning 62-39 at home. Former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins threw for six touchdowns and just under 400 yards in that game, while Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson threw for 187 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the loss.

In the NCAAF Week 14 odds, the oddsmakers have Ohio State favored by 9.5 over Michigan on the road. A win for Ohio State will only increase their National Championship odds heading into the conference championship.

Ohio State vs Michigan Odds

A Buckeyes History

The Ohio State Buckeyes have not lost to the Michigan Wolverines since 2011, which means Jim Harbaugh has also never beaten Ohio State. Last year in Columbus, it was all Ohio State. The Buckeyes rang up 567 yards of total offense, while Michigan had 401 yards.

Michigan had 10 more minutes with the ball and Ohio State had 150 yards in penalties, but Haskins’ arm was too much for the Wolverines to handle. Ohio State had two crucial interceptions in the second half to drive their victory home.

Michigan was close to ending their losing streak against Ohio State in 2016. The Wolverines were up 17-7 late in the third quarter before the Buckeyes scored 10 unanswered points to bring the game to overtime and win.

Michigan is Rolling

Michigan is on a four-game win streak after falling to Penn State back in October. That is one of two losses for the Wolverines this year, losing to Wisconsin as well. However, Michigan has dominated teams on both sides of the ball for the last two months.

The Wolverines have averaged 41.5 points per game in their last four games. One of those games included a beatdown of Ian Book and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 45-14.

Shea Patterson has been elite in the month of November, throwing for 901 yards, 10 touchdowns, one interception, and a 65.5 completion percentage. Their defense has been equally dominant, holding teams to just 10.3 points per game in November.

Michigan showed their worth against Indiana last Saturday, winning with ease 39-14. The Wolverines had 453 yards of offense, and held one of the better passing offenses in the Big Ten to no scores through the air and forced two turnovers. Patterson went off for 366 yards, and five touchdowns.

Most Complete Team in College

Ohio State hasn’t flinched this season, crushing every opponent by a large margin. Some of their biggest wins have been a 73-14 win over Maryland, a 42-0 shutout win over Cincinnati, and a 38-7 thumping of Wisconsin. Their most recent win was their smallest margin of victory, a 28-17 win over Penn State.

Justin Fields has been a revelation at quarterback this year for Ohio State. Fields has thrown for 2,352 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just one interception. The Georgia native has also added 445 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. It hasn’t just been Fields contributing on the offensive side of the ball, as they are averaging 530.4 yards of total offense per game. 

The Buckeyes have the best defensive player in college football in defensive end Chase Young. Led by Young, Ohio State’s defense is allowing just 91.2 rushing yards per game, which is fifth-best in college football. 

Line Movement

While Ohio State opened up as 9.5-point favorites, I believe it will fall early. With how well Michigan is playing, I believe the public will hammer Michigan early in the week moving the line down to 9.0 and maybe even 8.5. Ohio State has been flawless this year, but Michigan at home, at this number, will be a favorable pick early in the week.