In a showdown eagerly awaited by college football enthusiasts, the focal point of the 2023 season unfolds within the hallowed confines of Michigan Stadium this Saturday. The Michigan Wolverines play host to the Ohio State Buckeyes in a pivotal Big Ten encounter, poised to potentially determine a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.
What? Michigan Wolverines vs Ohio State Buckeyes, College Football Week 13
Where? Michigan Stadium
When? Saturday, November 25 (Noon ET, Live on Fox)
See below the updated odds for the NCAA champion, ahead of this crucial clash, from three of the best online betting sites.
Entering Week 13, the Michigan Wolverines ride the momentum of a two-game winning streak against perennial adversaries, with Ohio State failing to secure a victory since 2019, due to the cancellation of the 2020 matchup.
Despite Ohio State boasting a loftier position in the AP Top 25 and a more impressive Week 12 performance, the oddsmakers favor Michigan on the point spread this Saturday.
Michigan’s strategic approach is evident, with a focused game plan that revolves around the formidable tandem of Blake Corum and their potent rushing attack. The paramount challenge for Ohio State lies in thwarting this formidable offensive strategy.
In comparison to last year’s 45-23 clash, Ohio State’s defensive unit has undergone noteworthy enhancements. Saturday’s impending contest serves as the litmus test, gauging the efficacy of these defensive upgrades against a formidable Michigan offense.
Ohio State vs Michigan Betting Picks
Michigan has gained the upper hand in its storied college football rivalry with Ohio State by fortifying its presence in the trenches. The Wolverines, in the last two editions of this fierce matchup, assertively dominated the Buckeyes through a formidable ground game.
In the upcoming clash, Michigan will plan to relentlessly assault the Ohio State defense with an onslaught of over 30 rushing plays, spearheaded by the dynamic presence of Corum—whose limited involvement in last year’s encounter adds an intriguing dimension to the Wolverines’ strategy. Corum, showcasing his prowess with a rushing touchdown in every game this season, emerges as a linchpin for Michigan’s aspirations of success on home turf.
Despite Ohio State boasting the second-best scoring defense in the FBS, it exhibits vulnerability in conceding an average of 108.5 rushing yards per contest. In contrast, Michigan stands atop the FBS in total yards allowed per game at an impressive 234.8, with Ohio State trailing closely in third place, yielding 252.9 yards per game.
Michigan’s blueprint for success is unmistakable—enforce dominance through a ground-centric offensive approach while disrupting the rhythm of Ohio State’s offense. In the previous season’s encounter, Michigan substantiated this strategy by amassing 252 rushing yards on 35 carries, effectively limiting the Buckeyes to a mere three points in the second half.
Corum, McCarthy, and the rest of the Wolverines are well-versed in the art of overcoming Ohio State, and until the Buckeyes demonstrate they’ve bridged the gap in countering Michigan’s ground game prowess, the Wolverines rightfully hold the mantle of favoritism in this enduring rivalry.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Business and Management