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College Football Weekly
Look Ahead – Week 12
Let’s see, of all the games to preview…how about a little game we like to call
the greatest rivalry in sports: Ohio State vs. Michigan. One of the two BCS
title births is on the line when the No. 1 Buckeyes hosts the No. 2 Wolverines.
Without a doubt this is the biggest game of the college football season and if
these two were not to meet again in Glendale, the National Championship game
might not even compare to this hyped game.
Ohio State comes in with arguably the nation’s top offense, however Michigan
counters with a defense that is ranked the best against stopping the run.
Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is the likely frontrunner for the Heisman and
he could easily seal the deal with a great performance or let others like Brady
Quinn and Ray Rice jump him with a bad outing as the top spot in all of college
football on the line.
Michigan leads the series 57-39-6, however Michigan is just 1-4 since Jim
Tressel took over as the Buckeyes head coach.
No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 1 Ohio State 11/18 3:30 pm (ABC)
Line: Ohio State -6.5
Total: 40.5
Michigan’s chances to win rely on its deadly duo of juniors. Quarterback Chad
Henne and Michael Hart lead the offense and with top wide out Mario Manningham
back, the deep ball will be another threat to counter against a high-powered
Ohio State attack.
Hart ranks sixth in the nation in rushing with over 124 yards per game and has
compiled over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Henne has thrown for 18
scores and over 1,900 yards.
Ohio State has won three of the last four meetings but this is Michigan’s best
team since they last won the National Championship.
Each of the last four games, the winner has covered the spread and that number
has not been larger than a touchdown since 2001 when the Buckeyes were eight
point underdogs.
The over has hit the last three meetings and five of the last six.
Michigan is 5-1 ATS in their last six games an underdog and has covered their
last five as a road underdog.
Likewise, Ohio State is 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a home favorite of
3.0-10.0 points. The Buckeyes are also 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following
an ATS win.