2023 College Football odds: Ohio State-Michigan favorites, predictions, picks

College football rivalry weekend features the No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Michigan game with CFP implications. Experts share their predictions.

This weekend marks the official rivalry weekend in college football, with the highly anticipated game between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan set to take place on FOX and the FOX Sports App. Known as "The Game" by fans, this matchup holds significant College Football Playoff (CFP) implications, as the winner will advance to face Iowa in the Big Ten title game on Dec. 2.

With a rich history, this will be the 119th all-time meeting between the two teams, with Michigan currently leading the series 60-52-6. Last year, Michigan emerged victorious with a 45-23 win. As the game approaches, UM is favored by 3.5 points, and the Over/Under is set at 45.5.

Both head coaches, Ryan Day and Jim Harbaugh, have had varying success against top-five opponents. Day holds a 2-4 record, while Harbaugh is 2-6 as the Wolverines head coach, and 3-7 when including his tenure at Stanford.

Key players to watch include Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., who is one of five Power 5 players with four or more receptions of 50-plus yards, and Michigan's Blake Corum, the only FBS player to score in every game this season.

For those looking for betting insights, experts have weighed in with their best bets and predictions for the game. Chris "The Bear" Fallica suggests considering the Over if the point total falls a couple more points, while Sammy Panayotovich predicts that over 45.5 points will be scored by both teams combined. On the other hand, Geoff Schwartz believes that under 45.5 points will be scored by both teams combined, citing the strong defenses of both teams as a factor.

Schwartz points out that Michigan's defense has been outstanding, ranking second in points per drive, first in success rate, and fifth in havoc rate. Meanwhile, Ohio State's offense, led by Kyle McCord, has shown inconsistency. Michigan's offense, while effective, has also shown signs of caution, opting for a conservative game plan.

In conclusion, the Ohio State vs. Michigan game is anticipated to be a competitive and closely contested matchup, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. The high stakes and historical significance of this rivalry weekend add to the excitement of what is expected to be a thrilling game.

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