Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Michigan Wolverines (16-13, 10-9 Big-10) will travel to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (19-9, 12-7 Big-10). Sunday’s tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM ET at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio and can be viewed on FOX.  

Score Prediction

Ohio State 70, Michigan 64 

Best Bet

Ohio State -4 (-110)

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES vs. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES PREDICTIONS

The Michigan Wolverines lost their most recent game to Iowa 82-71. Michigan played well overall, but the Hawkeyes caught fire from deep, shooting 57.9% from three. The Wolverines have been disappointing this season to say the least and the suspension of head coach Juan Howard does not give them much hope for the post season. Since Howards suspension the Wolverines are 2-2 SU with all of those games being played at home.  

The 23rd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Michigan State 80-69 in their most recent game and snapped a two-game losing streak. The Buckeyes were extremely efficient on the offensive end, shooting 54.7% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. Ohio state is now 6-4 in their last 10 games and currently 5th in the Big-10 with a conference record of 12-7. 

The teams have met once this season with Ohio State winning on the road 68-57. Free throws were the difference maker in this one with Ohio State attempting 18 (16-18) and Michigan just 6 (5-6). I like Ohio State at home in this one. These teams do match up well against one another, but I think missing your head coach in a big game like this is a huge disadvantage.  

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES vs. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING ODDS

• Michigan +150
• Ohio State -185
• Michigan +4.5 (-110)
• Ohio State -4.5 (-110)
• Over 144.5 (-110)
• Under 144.5 (-110)

More Odds | Futures Odds

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES vs. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING RESOURCES

• Matchup: Big 10
• Date: Sunday, March 6, 2022
• Venue: Value City Arena
• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• TV-Time: FOX - 12:30 p.m. ET

• Injury Report
• Wooden Award Odds
• Conference Futures Market
• Power Rankings

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES BETTING ANALYSIS

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 16-13
• ATS: 12-17
• O/U: 16-13

Michigan has not been profitable on the season with an ATS record of 12-17. They have not had recent success against the Buckeyes, going 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five matchups. The total has gone over in 16 of Michigan’s 29 games. Following this trend, the total has gone over in 12 of the Wolverines last 18 games.  

The Wolverines offense is led by sophomore center Hunter Dickinson who is averaging 18.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 2.3 APG. As a team this season Michigan has averaged 73.1 PPG (132nd), 47.4 FG% (37th), 34 3PT% (176th), 14.2 APG (97th), and 35.6 RPG (152nd). The Wolverines shot the ball very poorly from three (23.5%) and had only six free throw attempts in their first matchup with Ohio State.  Expect Michigan to try and get to the line more often in this one.  

Michigan’s defense has been consistent throughout the year. This season the Wolverines are allowing opponents 69.8 PPG (196th), 44.6 FG% (252nd), 32.2 3PT% (107th), while averaging 4.5 SPG (341st) and 3.0 BPG (187th). Michigan will look to slow down Buckeye’s leading scorer E.J. Liddell who had 28 points and five rebounds in the first matchup.  

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING ANALYSIS

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 19-9
• ATS: 15-13
• O/U: 16-12

Ohio State posted an ATS record of 15-13 including 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games. Following this trend, the Buckeyes have covered in four of their last five matchups against Michigan. The total has gone over in 16 of Ohio State 28 games. Going against this trend, the total has gone under in eight of the last 12 games when Ohio State plays Michigan.  

The Buckeyes offense is led by junior forward E.J. Liddell who is averaging 19.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 2.6 APG. As a team, Ohio State has averaged 74 PPG (100th), 47.4 FG% (29th), 36.9 3PT% (37th), 13.1 APG (177th), and 34.6 RPG (221). The majority of the Buckeyes shots came inside the paint in the first matchup against Michigan. I would expect them to try and dominate the paint again on Sunday. 

Ohio States defense is similar to Michigan's from a statistical standpoint. Entering this matchup, the Buckeyes are allowing opponents 68.1 PPG (143rd), 41.7 FG% (99th), 33.4 3PT% (206th), while averaging 4.4 SPG (339th), and 5.0 BPG (28th). The Buckeyes did a nice job of slowing down Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson in the first game and doing so again is crucial for Ohio State’s success in this one.  

INSIDE THE STATS - MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

• Record: 16-13
• PS/G: 73.1 (134th)
• PA/G: 69.8 (201st)
• ORtg: 108.2 (59th)
• DRtg: 103.2 (266th)

INSIDE THE STATS - OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

• Record: 19-9
• PS/G: 74.2 (101st)
• PA/G: 68.1 (147th)
• ORtg: 111.8 (20th)
• DRtg: 102.7 (251st)

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

• MICH: Hunter Dickinson - C (18.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg)
• MICH: Eli Brooks - G (12.1 ppg)
• OHST: E.J. Liddell - F (19.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg)
• OHST: Malaki Branham - G (13.1 ppg)

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES vs. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING CONCLUSION

The Buckeyes get the edge in this one because of home court and Michigan missing their head coach. In addition, Michigan has not beat a ranked opponent all season and have struggled against Ohio State over the past couple of years. I think Michigan keeps it close in the first half and Ohio State running away with it in the second. Laying the points with the Buckeyes at home.  

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES vs. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING TRENDS

• Michigan has gone OVER the point total in four of its last six games.
• Michigan has failed to see back-to-back ATS results in 10 straight games (failed to cover last game).
• Ohio State has failed to cover the spread in three of its last five games when playing as the favorite.