“The Game” stands as one of the most iconic rivalries in all of sports. When the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines clash, it’s nothing short of a battlefield. Typically, this matchup carries weight for both teams, but in 2024, it’s the Buckeyes who have everything to lose. Still, Michigan holds the ultimate wildcard, with a chance to derail their rival’s postseason ambitions.
Who will emerge victorious? Our Michigan vs. Ohio State preview dives into everything you need to know—from the latest betting odds to what’s on the line for both programs as they close out the 2024 college football season.
Michigan vs. Ohio State Betting Preview
All Michigan vs. Ohio State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Ohio State -17.5 - Spread
Ohio State -19.5 - Moneyline
Ohio State -1350, Michigan +800 - Over/Under
42.5 points - Game Time
Noon ET - Location
Ohio Stadium | Columbus, Ohio - Predicted Weather at Kick
31 degrees, cloudy, 8 mph winds - How To Watch
Fox
Saturday marks the 119th edition of “The Game,” the rivalry matchup between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes. Michigan has won the last three editions, including in Columbus in 2022, and takes a 61-51-6 advantage into the Week 14 encounter. However, the two programs have taken polar opposite trajectories this season, and Ohio State is a significant favorite.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Ryan Day’s team has won all bar one of the games they’ve been favored this year (losing to the Oregon Ducks) and although they’ve got a narrow 6-5 record against the spread, their average margin of victory is 27.1 points. Meanwhile, Michigan has won just once as an underdog this year (against the USC Trojans), and has failed to cover the spread by an average of 1.3 points.
Michigan’s Winning Probability
CFN’s FPM doesn’t give the visiting Wolverines much of a chance in this one, just an 8.9% win probability. However, a win would mean the Wolverines would extend their three-game winning streak over the Buckeyes.
- at Ohio State: 91.1%
Ohio State’s Winning Probability
On the flip side, the Buckeyes are heavy favorites, with a 91.1% win probability. The Buckeyes would then head to Indianapolis for a rematch with Oregon for a first-round bye and potential top-end seed in the College Football Playoff.
- vs. Michigan: 91.1%
Prediction for Michigan vs. Ohio State
Spoiler alert: I believe Ohio State channels three years of pent-up frustration into a statement win over Michigan, covering the spread with ease and finally exacting revenge after three straight gut-wrenching losses to their archrival.
But what if the Buckeyes lose?
This is The Game, after all—a rivalry built on shocking upsets and unforgettable moments.
Think back to 1993, when an unranked Michigan team stunned No. 5 Ohio State with a 28-0 shutout. Or between 2001 and 2004, when unranked Ohio State toppled top-12 Michigan teams twice, including a commanding 37-20 win in 2004. And let’s not forget, Michigan was the underdog in all three victories during their current streak.
It’s possible.
A Michigan win would send shockwaves through the college football landscape. Suddenly, the Indiana Hoosiers and Penn State Nittany Lions would dive into a maze of tiebreakers to earn the right to face Oregon, Michigan fans would claim the entire 2024 calendar as a success, and Ohio State fans might turn up the heat on Ryan Day’s seat to a near boil.
It would rank among the most impactful upsets in modern college football history.
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But let’s be real—chances are slim.
We know exactly what this Michigan team is. They thrive in the trenches, overpowering less talented opponents with a physical, grinding style. That approach works against teams like Northwestern, Michigan State, and even Indiana. But against an elite Ohio State front? The Wolverines simply don’t have the firepower to dominate in the power-running game.
Yes, Michigan’s defense might create some pressure. But if their offense can’t move bodies and establish the run, they can’t score—plain and simple.
Ohio State’s offense might start slow (as we’ve seen, like in the Indiana game), but the Buckeyes’ defense is another story. They held Indiana to just 150 total yards, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Michigan struggle to reach that number.
If the game looks close early, Buckeye fans shouldn’t sweat it. And once Ohio State gets rolling, don’t expect them to take their foot off the gas.
Much like Bowser in Mario Kart, it might take Ohio State a minute to hit full speed—but once they do, they won’t slow down. Unfortunately for those betting the over, the Wolverines might not provide much help lighting up the scoreboard.
Prediction: Ohio State 37, Michigan 7
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