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Michigan vs. Ohio State Prediction and Odds (Latest Trends Point Towards the Over)

By Ben Heisler

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson and the Wolverines are 4-point underdogs on the road to Ohio State in Columbus on Sunday afternoon.
Michigan center Hunter Dickinson and the Wolverines are 4-point underdogs on the road to Ohio State in Columbus on Sunday afternoon. / Aaron J. Thornton/GettyImages
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**UPDATE** Michigan's Hunter Dickinson will NOT play due to a stomach ailment.

With seeding up for grabs ahead of next week's Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, the Michigan Wolverines look to get the best of their longtime rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes this afternoon in Columbus.

Michigan has been hot and cold over its last eight games, swapping wins and losses each time out. Good news for Michigan backers is today would be on the right side of this stretch. Meanwhile, Ohio State bounced back after a brutal 78-70 loss at home to Nebraska, defeating Michigan State by 11 back on Wednesday.

After Ohio State took Round 1 in Ann Arbor back on Feb. 12, can the Buckeyes sweep the Wolverines and push them further down the Big Ten standings?

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Michigan vs. Ohio State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Michigan +4 (-110)
  • Ohio State -4 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Michigan +145
  • Ohio State -175

Total:

  • 142 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Michigan vs. Ohio State Prediction and Pick

There's been a slight move towards the under, with several consensus books now having this Big Ten matinee at 141.5, but I'll still be backing the over here.

Both of these two teams have pretty much punted on any sort of defensive presence as of late. Michigan, who was already a below-average defensive unit this season has a defensive rating via CBB Analytics of 113.7 over its last five games, putting the Wolverines in the second percentile amongst all teams in college basketball.

Even worse than the Wolverines? The Buckeyes, who own a defensive rating of 114.7, first percentile over their last five.

With the exception of its 71-62 win over Rutgers, Michigan has allowed 77, 93, 70 and 82 points in their last games. Ohio State, meanwhile, hasn't given up less than 69 points in its last five.

I know rivalry games tend to be a little more tough and physical, but neither of these two teams want to play like that at the moment. Play the over as both squads look to push the pace offensively.

LEAN: OVER 142 (-110)

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