#2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs #5 Michigan Wolverines Pick
This is a huge game. Our Ohio State vs Michigan prediction pits the #2 Buckeyes (10-1 Overall, 8-0 Big Ten) against the #5 Wolverines (10-1 Overall, 7-1 Big Ten). OSU looks to be bound for a CFP berth. They need a win to secure that spot. The University of Michigan football team would love to upset the favored Buckeyes, and, perhaps, sneak into the playoffs. However, that playoffs are a longshot for the Wolverines. The odds have the favored Buckeyes at -7.0 (-110), while the Wolverines can be found at +7.5 (-110). The over/under is 64.5
Kickoff will be Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 12:00 pm ET. The game will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI. The temperature at game time will be 30 degrees. There’s a 37 percent chance of snow showers. The winds will be from the SSE at 7 mph.
Buckeyes vs Wolverines Pick – Key Stats
Both teams bring big offenses and tough defenses to this game. Our Ohio State vs Michigan prediction notes that statistically on offense OSU has an edge (47.2 PPG-to-36.9 PPG). However, on defense, UM is slightly better (16.3 PPG-to-19.0 PPG). In the end, the Buckeyes are up when it comes to combined PF/PA (+7.6).
Yardage wise, the Buckeyes eat up the field, passing for 362.3 YPG and rushing for 197.3 YPG. OSU’s total offense comes to 559.5 YPG. The Wolverines are recording 229.5 passing and 218.4 rushing YPG (447.9 total). On defense, Michigan is giving up 50 fewer yards than the Buckeyes (306.8-to-355.6). The University of Michigan’s defense is tough on pass attacks, allowing just 178.4 YPG, while OSU is permitting 252.1 YPG. Ohio State’s defense is holding opponents to 103.5 rushing YPG. The Wolverines are giving up 128.5 YPG on the ground.
Deep D Statistics
When it comes to defensive stats, Ohio State tops Michigan in each area. They’re better in sacks (35-28), PD (59-47), and picks (11-7). OSU brings four pick sixes to this game, while Michigan has one. In terms of forced fumbles and fumbles recovered, the Buckeyes are 11-7 and the Wolverines 10-8.
Ohio State vs Michigan Prediction – Players
Both C.J. Stroud (36 TDs, 5 INTs, 9 SCKs) and Cade McNamara (14 TDs, 2 INTs, 6 SCKs) are pocket quarterbacks. Stroud’s completing 71.1 percent of his passes while McNamara is at 64.2 percent. Stroud throws to three primary receivers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6 TDs), Garrett Wilson (11 TDs) , and Chris Olave (13 TDs). On the other hand, Michigan brings 10 receivers to today’s game with each having made from one-to-three TD receptions.
The OSU ground attack features TreVeyon Henderson (150 ATT, 1,098 YDs, 7.3 AVG, 14 TDs). Michigan utilizes two productive running backs. Lead rusher Hassan Haskins (216 ATT, 1,063 YDs, 4.9 AVG, 13 TDs) is a strong yardage producer. Blake Corum (130 ATT, 778 YDs, 6.0 AVG, 10 TDs), who’s questionable for today’s game, is a strong second man in.
Buckeye and Wolverine Defenders
For OSU, seven players have at least 2.5 sacks. DTs Haskell Garrett (5.5 SCKs) and Tyleik Williams (5.0 SCKs) top the team in sacks. They’ll be putting pressure on McNamara. OSU corners Denzel Burke (10 PD, 1 INT) and Cameron Brown (7 PD, 1 INT) are premium defenders. Michigan’s defense is driven by deep back Daxton Hill (53 TKLs, 7 PD, 2 INTs) and linebacker David Ojabo (10 SCKs, 3 PD, 5 FF, 1 FR). LB Josh Ross leads the team with 80 total tackles.
Ohio State vs Michigan Prediction - Final Word
This is not the easiest game to suss out. But, considering the OSU depth on defense, as well as their pass attack, we like the Buckeyes. Our Ohio State vs Michigan prediction is the Buckeyes at -7.0 (-110). This could be a three-point game. However, we expect a 10-14 point win by OSU. We also like the over at 64.5.
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Summary – Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines Projection:
Point Spread Pick – Ohio State Buckeyes at -14.0 (-110)
Over/Under Pick - Over 64.5
