ESPN's Computer Model Releases Pick For Ohio State vs. Michigan
11/24/2024 01:22 PM
Before pursuing a national championship, Ohio State will first attempt to exorcise its demons against Michigan.
In each of the last three years, the bitter Big Ten rivals have met with significant conference and College Football Playoff ramifications. The Wolverines won all three encounters, knocking the Buckeyes out of last year's CFP with a 30-24 win at Ann Arbor before capturing the national title.
Since Michigan is 6-5 under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, this year's matchup doesn't carry the same big-game vibe. But along with desperately wanting to beat The Team Up North, Ohio State needs a win to play for the Big Ten title.
It would be a massive letdown if Ryan Day's team doesn't defeat Michigan. Ohio State is a 20.5-point home favorite following a 38-15 statement win over the previously undefeated Indiana.
ESPN Analytics also points to a highly probable Buckeyes triumph. The site's Matchup Predictor gives Ohio State a 91.8 percent chance to win on Saturday afternoon.
Michigan's past success against Ohio State should have little bearing on their upcoming showdown. NFL teams drafted a record 13 Wolverines players earlier this year, and Jim Harbaugh is now coaching the Los Angeles Chargers.
Moore's team is 1-4 against ranked opponents with three double-digit losses this season. Saturday's 50-6 blowout over Northwestern marked the program's first win by more than 10 points since opening the season with a 30-10 victory over Fresno State.
On the other hand, the Buckeyes have a cavernous plus-298 point differential in 2024. Outside of a 32-31 road loss to No. 1 Oregon, they've allowed 86 points in 10 wins.
While most of Michigan's key players went pro, Ohio State reloaded by adding star transfers and a recruiting class led by Jeremiah Smith. The freshman already leads the team with 899 receiving yards.
Ohio State is positioned to take down its longtime nemesis and begin the CFP as a top championship contender, but Michigan could send its rival program into disarray with a colossal upset at The Horshoe.
FOX will televise the annual game Saturday at noon ET.
Related: Point Spread For This Year's Ohio State vs. Michigan Game Is Staggering
