Sportsbook odds are backing No.10 Ohio State for yet another win over their bitter Big Ten rivals from Michigan, and the Wolverines have a single conference win this year. Can the Wolverines catch the Buckeyes in a trap game?
Ohio State vs Michigan Betting Odds - Saturday, November 21, 12:00 PM ET
The Buckeyes (9-2, 6-1) clinched a spot in the Rose Bowl with a 27-24 overtime win over Iowa at home, and Devin Barclay's 39-yard field goal was the difference. True to form, Ohio State were conservative offensively as Terrelle Pryor was only 14-of-17 for 93 yards as coach Jim Tressell did not want any turnovers. It paid off because the Buckeyes forced three out of Iowa. With their No.5-ranked defense, the Buckeyes will always be a internet betting consideration in your sportsbook.
The Wolverines (5-6, 1-6) lost 45-24 at Wisconsin for their fourth straight loss, and defensively, Michigan has been terrible lately. The Wolverines have given up an average of 39 points during that time, which will definitely put some sportsbook players off. Tate Forcier actually had a decent game, going 20-of-26 for 188 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, but it won't make a difference until the Michigan defense gets it together: they allowed 469 yards to Wisconsin, including 229 on the ground.
Online betting odds in your sportsbook are favoring Ohio State by 12.5 points in Ann Arbor, where they've won two of their last three trips. Overall, the Buckeyes have dominated their rivals as of late with five straight wins, and that may be the only thing that keeps Tressel in a job, given his BCS struggles. This is the quintessential trap game for Ohio State, who already know what bowl they're going to. Meanwhile, this means far more to Michigan as coach Rich Rodriguez has people calling for his head, and it's never good at Michigan to lose so many in a row to the Buckeyes. The Wolverines need to take away the running game and let Pryor carry the load with his arm. Pryor has attempted at least 25 passes in a game five times this year, and two of those ended in losses. Even if the Wolverines don't win, they'll cover.
NCAA football picks: Michigan +12.5
