Ohio State vs. Michigan Game Prediction, How to Watch

What to expect as Ohio State and Michigan renew The Game with a chance at the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff on the line

In a series already loaded with history and some very bad blood, once again The Game is a staging ground for the Big Ten title chase and the national championship hunt, with the winner heading to Indy to play for the conference title and almost certainly a spot in the College Football Playoff. No. 2 Ohio State heads to the state up north to face off against No. 3 Michigan on Saturday.

• Both teams play the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked scoring defense in college football, with Michigan edging out Ohio State by 0.3 points per game in that phase
• Michigan has won two in a row against the Buckeyes in this series, going on to win two Big Ten titles and make the College Football Playoff twice
• Those games ended an 8-game win streak by Ohio State before then, a record
• Wolverines will be without head coach Jim Harbaugh again as he finishes a suspension imposed by the Big Ten amid its sign-stealing probe

Ohio State vs. Michigan preview, prediction

When: Sat., Nov. 25
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
TV: Fox network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

The Game 2023 odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Michigan -3.5
Total: 46.5 points
Moneyline: UM -175 | OSU +145
FPI pick: Michigan 55.2% to win

What to watch for

1. Big plays. For all the talk of a smash-mouth defensive struggle, both teams still present credible threats at the skill positions to go long. Michigan posted almost 22 yards per completion against OSU last year and had TD passes of 75, 69, and 45 yards. Donovan Edwards ran for scores of 85 and 75 yards. This time around, the Buckeyes are the only team in the Big Ten to not allow a completion of 40-plus yards this season. And they rank No. 1 in the B1G with 11 passes of 40 or more.

2. Buckeyes' new identity. In years past, Ohio State has made its way by throwing a never-ending cadre of elite skill weapons at you, but this season as the offense has taken a step back, it's been defense that has kept the team in contention. No opponent has scored more than 17 points on OSU, which has held seven of 11 opponents to 10 or fewer points. Ohio State is 1st nationally holding teams to 3.99 yards per play. Michigan has scored over 40 points in five games.

3. Battle at the line. Michigan's front rushers should have the advantage against Ohio State's strong side protection most of the day, which can cause serious problems for OSU's ability to create and maintain a rhythm on offense. While considered a liability coming into the season, Ohio State's line has played its best football on the quarterback's blind side, where it has also run the ball with the most success. But the Wolverines should find angles against the right side of the Buckeyes' line, and if they can combine the rush with consistent inside pressure, that could be an issue for Kyle McCord and his ability to look downfield.

Ohio State vs. Michigan prediction

Whichever team runs the ball best usually wins this game in the 21st century. The side that had more yards per carry has won 20 straight and the one that had more rushing yards won the last 21. 

Michigan has outgained Ohio State on the ground by 342 total yards the last two years combined and more than doubled the Buckeyes on a per attempt basis in that time. When comparing each team's blocking capability, that tilts things in the Wolverines' favor.

College Football HQ picks...

• Michigan wins 31-27
• Covers the spread
• And hits the over

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