Michigan vs. Ohio State: Picks, Predictions and Odds

This year’s edition of "The Game" brings two programs trending in opposite directions.

Ohio State is the nation’s #2 team, playing for a spot in the Big Ten Championship, the College Football Playoff and seeking revenge after three straight losses to Michigan.

Michigan, on the other hand, sits at 6-5, playing primarily for pride and the chance to spoil their arch rivals' season.

This game kicks off at Noon ET in Columbus, Ohio, on FOX, Saturday, November 30. Read on for expert best bets and game predictions.

Michigan vs. Ohio State betting picks and predictions

Michigan +21 (-105)

The Buckeyes are coming off a commanding 38-15 win over Indiana, a game in which their defense dominated as usual.

While quarterback Will Howard played well, perhaps even looked the best he has all year, he remains prone to mistakes under pressure, which could create opportunities for Michigan’s physical defense to keep the game closer than expected.

Michigan’s strength lies in their run defense, which ranks 11th nationally, allowing just 94 rushing yards per game.

With standout defenders like Kris Jenkins Jr., they have the personnel to challenge Ohio State’s run game and force the Buckeyes to rely on the arm of Howard.

Offensively, Michigan’s approach will be conservative: rely on their ground game and try to control time of possession.

Quarterback Davis Warren has been more efficient in recent weeks, with four touchdowns and only one interception in his last four games. That said, Michigan’s offensive ceiling is low, especially against Ohio State’s elite defense.

Ohio State’s defense ranks first in SP+ and has allowed only 8.6 points per game in their 10 wins this season.

While their offense is capable of explosive plays, the Buckeyes haven’t exactly lit up the scoreboard against tougher defenses, scoring 21 against Nebraska and 20 against Penn State.

This plays into Michigan’s hands, as their defense is more than capable of keeping the game within reach.

While the Buckeyes have every reason to try and run up the score to avenge their recent losses, Michigan’s physicality and familiarity with this rivalry should keep the margin respectable.

In all honesty, the analytics don’t have us convinced Michigan can keep this all that close, but given that they have the size, talent, physicality and motivation most other teams don’t possess in this matchup, we feel they will be up for this one and leave it all out on the field.

Expect the Wolverines to stay within the +21 spread in a game that could resemble a 24-10 or 28-13 Ohio State win.

Under 43.5 Total Points (-110)

When it comes to this matchup, the under feels like the safer play, given both teams’ strengths and recent trends.|

Ohio State has hit the under in six of their last eight games, primarily due to their dominant defense. Michigan, similarly, has leaned on their defense while their offense has struggled to put up consistent points.

Against elite defenses, the Wolverines’ offense have often been stymied, failing to reach 20 points in four of their five losses this season.

Even with Warren showing improved efficiency, Michigan’s receivers lack the explosiveness needed to threaten Ohio State’s secondary.

Ohio State’s defense, which allows just 8.6 points per game in their wins, has shut down even high-powered offenses like Oregon’s and Penn State’s.

Michigan’s ground-and-pound style won’t trouble the Buckeyes and, without a vertical passing game, the Wolverines will struggle to sustain drives.

On the other side, Michigan’s defense can make this a frustrating afternoon for Ohio State. Michigan’s defense ranks 36th nationally, allowing 21.5 points per game.

The Wolverines rank 23rd in total yardage allowed and excel at stopping the run. If Michigan’s front seven can limit TreVeyon Henderson’s impact, they will force Howard into obvious passing situations where mistakes are more likely.

He has thrown interceptions in three of his last five games, and Michigan’s physical secondary could add to that total.

Additionally, Michigan’s ability to control the clock through their run game could lead to fewer possessions overall.

They’ll aim to muddy the game, grinding out drives with Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards to keep the Buckeyes’ offense off the field.

While Ohio State certainly has the capability to run up the score, history suggests that this rivalry tends to stay competitive, especially with Michigan’s defense still playing at a high level.

The Buckeyes’ offensive output has been capped at 21 or fewer points in two games this season, and Michigan has allowed 24 points or fewer in four of their six games against ranked opponents.

This game has all the makings of a defensive battle, with a final score likely falling below the 43.5 total.

Ohio State should win semi-comfortably, but Michigan’s defense will ensure that the scoring stays limited.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site

Michigan vs. Ohio State odds

Michigan	+900 ML
Ohio State	-1600 ML
Spread	Ohio State -21
Total Points	O/U 43.5

Read Michigan vs. Ohio State: How to watch, TV Channel, streaming start time, injury report and stats on site

Read the latest College Sports news on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.