Michigan Historic Underdog for Rivalry Showdown with OSU

It remains to be seen if this iteration of The Game will take place this year, but if it does, sports betting oddsmakers are projecting a one-sided contest.

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes opened as 30-point favorites for the annual showdown with the Michigan Wolverines (2-4). It’s believed to be the largest point spread in the history of the rivalry. Only twice since 1995 have the Buckeyes (5-0) been favored by more than 20 points over the Wolverines, and the spread has never been greater than 21.5.

There is still the question if Saturday’s noon game in Columbus, Ohio, will even take place. Michigan’s matchup against Maryland this past weekend was canceled because of positive COVID-19 cases in the Wolverines’ program. Michigan was cleared to return to limited practice on Monday, but Saturday’s game still has some uncertainty surrounding it as the Wolverines wait on test results.

Rivalry history with large spreads

Just eight times since 1995 has there been a double-digit spread between Michigan and Ohio State. In the two largest spreads made by the sportsbooks, Ohio State was favored both times while each team covered one of those contests.

In 2008, No. 10 Ohio State was favored by 20.5 points against a three-win Michigan team under Rich Rodriguez. Ohio State would cover with ease, winning 42-7 in what was the most lopsided result in the previous 40 years of the rivalry.

In the last 16 meetings between the two teams, Michigan has won only once. Ohio State’s dominance and Michigan’s struggles was the result of the largest spread between the two in 2014. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 6 in the country with postseason aspirations, while Michigan was a five-win team with head coach Brady Hoke’s job security in question. Ohio State entered the matchup as 21.5-point favorites — the highest spread between the two schools.

Ohio State would win without the outcome ever really in doubt, 42-28, with Ezekiel Elliott and J.T. Barrett each scoring two rushing touchdowns. But hey, at Michigan backers could enjoy whatever solace they could find in their team covering.

Michigan would lead 14-7 in the first half and managed to keep it competitive in the third quarter with a Drake Johnson touchdown to tie the game. But Ohio State would outscore Michigan 21-7 the rest of the way.

Besides another Ohio State beatdown, the game was notable for the Buckeyes when Barrett left the game with a broken ankle. Barrett’s injury thrust Cardale Jones into the starting quarterback position, and while the mood was likely bleak in the aftermath of Barrett’s injury announcement, the Buckeyes would go on and win the national title behind the dynamic backfield duo of Jones and Elliott.

Ohio State dominating the rivalry, even ATS

Not only has Michigan struggled to earn a win against its main rival, but it has also struggled to cover. In the last 24 games, the Wolverines are 6-18 straight up and just 9-15 against the spread.

Michigan has been one of the worst teams in the country against the spread this season, only covering -3 in the 49-24 season-opening win over Minnesota. Since then, the Wolverines have failed to cover in every game since.