Ohio State vs. Michigan preview, odds and prediction

Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines have quite the test in college football Week 1

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports


It doesn’t get bigger than Ohio State vs. Michigan in the Big Ten, and there is a ton on the line this season as Rivalry Week takes center stage. As we preview this huge game, we’ll provide some perspective, the latest betting odds and offer a final prediction.

Ohio State (No. 1) vs. Michigan (No. 13) odds, game info:

Ohio State has the upper hand: In recent history, the Buckeyes are dominating “The Game.”

The University of Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh in part to stop this trend, but so far he has been unable to do it.

What’s on the line for Michigan?

The Wolverines come into Saturday’s big game on a four-game winning streak with a solid 9-2 record. But with losses to Wisconsin and Penn State already, Jim Harbaugh really has to beat Ohio State to avoid heading into the 2020 campaign with a huge question mark on his back.

The College Football Playoff is out of the question for Michigan already. So this game is all about pride, both for Harbaugh and his players. It also would be a huge boost to the program’s recruiting efforts if Michigan were to somehow knock off the Buckeyes.

What’s on the line for Ohio State?

The Buckeyes are already in the Big Ten Championship Game. But a loss Saturday to Michigan could set them up to miss the College Football Playoff. One-loss teams can get in, surely, but the conference title game is no gimme — whether it’s Minnesota or Wisconsin on the other side — with so much at stake.

With that in mind, Ohio State needs to win this game to keep its undefeated season going and roll into the Playoff.

Key Players for Ohio State: The following star players need to stay sharp and have big games for the Buckeyes to prevail.

Key Players for Michigan: The following Wolverines star players need to have the game of their lives for the Wolverines to pull off the huge upset.

Ohio State vs. Michigan final thoughts: The only thing that has me even the slightest bit hesitant to go all-in on the Buckeyes is that Fields is banged up, having been injured late in last Saturday’s game.

Outside of him struggling to move, there’s not a lot to like about Michigan’s chances — even at home Saturday.

Ohio State’s offense is lethal, and balanced. Run or pass, the Buckeyes can get it done. Then on the defensive side Chase Young’s exploits have yet to be slowed down by anyone on the gridiron this season.

In other words, Shea Patterson better keep his head on a swivel.

Final prediction: Ohio State will beat Michigan, and the Buckeyes will also cover (-8.5).

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