NCAAF Week 13: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines betting picks, preview

This is a game that we have been looking forward to all season and we are getting it in its intended form as both teams are still undefeated. The only thing we are missing is Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines, but that is a different story altogether. Ohio State is looking to show that losses in the last two seasons are not a long-term trend. 

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends and Odds  

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 — Noon ET 
Odds: Michigan -3.5, Over/under 46, Ohio State +142 | Michigan -170

I would be curious to know how this game would be priced if Harbaugh was available on the sidelines for Michigan. It should not make a major difference, but in a home game of this magnitude, it might. That hook is definitely in play as Ohio State has been the better of the two teams over the last few weeks. It looks like the sportsbooks want us to take OSU.

Pick for Ohio State vs. Michigan

Michigan -3.5

Big Blue has dominated the rivalry over the last couple of seasons. Michigan has been favored in both games and won with ease, beating Ohio State by 15 and 22 points respectively. The spread for the Big Game this season is smaller than it was in 2021 or 2022 though and I am not sure that really makes sense given what we have seen on the field so far. Has Ohio State closed the gap? Both of these teams have their respective strengths and I am curious as to how this year's game plays out. I think this year's iteration will be a low-scoring affair, both teams have strong defenses and want to establish the run and keep the clock running. There is no doubt that Ohio State has the more talented receiving corps but that has not been enough to get an advantage against Michigan the last couple of seasons. The question you have to answer is whether that trend continues. The passing numbers look good from past years but a lot of that was garbage time. Plus that was with C.J. Stroud. If he couldn't beat Michigan, can Kyle McCord?  On the road?  I am having a hard time getting there. I don't like the hook, but I would rather back the team I think is going to win. 

The sportsbooks know if this one drops under three points the markets will crush them with Michigan money. My guess is that the number stays where it is. You might get some threes if you time it just right.