The No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten) host the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) in a top-15 edition of "The Game" at 12 p.m. ET on FOX.
Michigan hasn't lost since a 31-13 defeat at the hands of USC on Oct. 11, but it hasn't been all smooth sailing for the Wolverines. Two weeks ago, Michigan snuck by Northwestern, 24-22, one week after beating Purdue by a score of 21-16.
Ohio State, meanwhile, has been on a tear. The Buckeyes have yet to lose this season and haven't played a game within single digits since a 14-7 victory over Texas in Week 1.
That's why they enter this matchup as a -10.5 favorite.
But is that where the value lies? Let's dive into our Michigan vs. Ohio State picks and college football predictions for "The Game" in Week 14 on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Spread Pick
Spread Pick: Michigan +10.5
Can Michigan win five in a row Saturday? Who knows, but we’re taking the Wolverines to cover Saturday’s spread.
In a game where points could be at a premium (more on that below), we’ll take the points with the home team.
Believe it or not, Ohio State has been undervalued in the market this season. The Buckeyes are 8-1 against the spread, with the lone non-cover against Purdue — still a 24-point rout.
However, Saturday’s just the second time Ohio State draws a team within the top 20 of Collin Wilson’s current power ratings. The other was Texas (No. 13), though that win, at home, hasn’t aged as hot given how the Longhorns’ season has fared.
Ever since the Don Brown/crossing route era, Michigan’s defense has matched up extremely well with Ohio State’s offense.
And unlike most of the other Big Ten defenses that draw Ohio State, Michigan has yet to bend the knee to Ryan Day’s creative play-calling during the current win streak.
Last year, Michigan contained Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith. While the two combined for 11 receptions, they failed to crack 100 yards.
The Wolverines have allowed less than 10 yards per completion this season, and now get the Buckeyes in their home building.
It should be an awesome game. We’ll give the nod to Michigan.
Over/Under Pick
Over 43.5 | 3 Picks |
Pass | 1 Pick |
Under 43.5 | 5 Picks |
Our Over/Under Pick: Under 43.5
The Action Network staff gives a slight lean to the under, and that’s exactly how we’re attacking the total for the 2025 rendition of "The Game."
Action PRO data reveals sharp action hitting the under. Not only is it of strong interest from respected money, but weather models also indicate Ann Arbor’s forecast could ultimately shade an edge to the defenses Saturday.
Systems in Bet Labs built by the legendary Evan Abrams — Action Network’s Director of Research — hint at some ugly elements in the weather report, and ones that casual bettors may overlook.
Specifically, freezing-cold temperatures (30 degrees), wind (9 mph) and humidity (65%) all project to factor into Saturday’s Wolverines vs. Buckeyes forecast — and those have historically been excellent ingredients for an under.
There’s a lot to like about a low-scoring game Saturday.
Not only could rivalry-game jitters play a role in an early, feeling-out process, but both defenses typically come out strong. Ohio State ranks No. 1 nationally in first-half points per game allowed (3.2), and Michigan’s also inside the top-20 (9.3), improving from last year’s clip (10.8).
Both secondaries have been phenomenal this season, too. The Buckeyes and Wolverines are top-10 nationally in yards per completion allowed, with Ohio State No. 1 (8.5) and Michigan No. 8 (9.9).
Rivalry game, freezing-cold temperatures, wind and a lack of explosive plays will help this one sail under.
Player Prop Pick
Bryce Underwood Over 154.5 Passing Yards (Play to 159.5)
By Alex Hinton
Last season, Michigan upset Ohio State while throwing for just 56 yards. However, the Wolverines will likely need a bit more from their passing game this time around.
Michigan threw for 1,678 passing yards in 13 games last season. The heralded Bryce Underwood has already thrown for 2,178 yards in his first 11 games.
He has been better at home as well, averaging 226.2 passing yards while clearing this line in four of his five home games.
As is often the case, this will be Michigan’s toughest test of the season. Ohio State leads the FBS in total defense (206.6 yards per game) and passing yards allowed (126.6 YPG). Snow is also expected in the forecast.
However, Michigan is a 10-point underdog in this game.
Either Underwood plays well enough to help the Wolverines spring another upset for the fifth consecutive year, or he will have to throw if they're trailing in the second half.
Illinois' Luke Altmeyer, Washington's Demond Williams Jr. and Texas' Arch Manning have all thrown for at least 170 yards while playing from behind against the Buckeyes, while UCLA's Luke Duncan threw for 154 yards.
Snow is also expected in the forecast, but as a native Michigander, I don’t expect that to be a significant factor for Underwood.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Odds
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10.5 -122 | 43.5 -115o / -105u | +310 |
| Ohio State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10.5 -102 | 43.5 -115o / -105u | -390 |
- Michigan vs. Ohio State Spread: Michigan +10.5, Ohio State -10.5
- Michigan vs. Ohio State Over/Under: 43.5
- Michigan vs. Ohio State Moneyline: Michigan +310, Ohio State -390
