Ohio State heads to the Big House to face off against bitter rival Michigan, the 13th time they meet with both teams ranked in the AP top five. Michigan is favored for the first time in five years, but not by much.
Only one team will come out of the game still undefeated, and Michigan is looking to make it three straight wins versus Ohio State for the first time since 1995-1997. The biggest story in college football and possibly all of sports is the sign-stealing scandal that will keep Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh off the sideline due to a three-game suspension levied by the Big Ten.
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The game features two of the most dominant defenses in the nation. Michigan and Ohio State are the only two teams holding their opponents to fewer than 10 points per game (Michigan at 9.0 and OSU at 9.3). But Michigan is one of four teams ranked in the top 12 in scoring offense (38.3) and scoring defense. Ohio State is ranked a respectable 24th in the nation in scoring offense with 33.6 points per game.
Michigan’s hopes for a victory are likely riding with running back Blake Corum. Ohio State gives up the fewest passing yards per game, but has been a bit more generous on the ground. The Buckeyes give up 108.5 rushing yards per game, but have only allowed three rushing touchdowns on the season. Corum comes into the game with 20 touchdowns and 880 yards on the ground.
Even with Heisman Trophy candidate and likely top five draft pick (and former high school teammate) Marvin Harrison Jr. at his disposal, quarterback Kyle McCord’s inconsistent play has been a source of frustration for Buckeye fans all year. He’s thrown for over 300 yards just three times this season, so they don’t need McCord to carry the team to victory. The Buckeyes will need to make some plays though and avoid turnovers.
Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy’s stock has gone down a bit in recent weeks. The Michigan quarterback didn’t attempt a pass in the second half against Penn State and was 12-for-23 for 141 yards with an interception last week at Maryland. Plus, leading wide receiver Roman Wilson got hurt at Maryland and his status for this game is unclear.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for college football tickets? Find them here.
What is the spread for Ohio State at Michigan?
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How to watch and stream Ohio State at Michigan
Kickoff is set for noon ET on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. The game will be televised on FOX and streamed on the Fox Sports app.
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Pregame reading
Ohio State-Michigan, pure hatred and the apex of the greatest rivalry
A monumental Michigan-Ohio State game without Jim Harbaugh: How did the Wolverines get here?
Inside an Ohio State-Michigan rivalry classic: How Buckeyes dodged a shocking 2013 upset
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(Photo of Marvin Harrison Jr.: Ian Johnson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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