Michigan has won 22 straight Big Ten games. Ohio State is 24-2 in the same span. The difference was defense, and it’s where OSU has improved most. There’s an intrinsic motivator with the Wolverines fighting for suspended coach Jim Harbaugh, but Michigan is 1-4 ATS in his absence. The Buckeyes have been stewing for two years, and Ryan Day has figured out how to rally his team. Ohio State has been tested, and it's trending up while Michigan is trending down. J.J. McCarthy hasn’t thrown a touchdown since Oct. 21 and has totaled 201 yards passing over the last two weeks. Look for OSU to pressure McCarthy early and often. +3.5 (-120) or better is best, but take the FG and a moneyline sprinkle.

Stand up to the bully! That's what Michigan has done the past two years vs. Ohio State, reversing previous series history from a decade before. Even with Jim Harbaugh not at the game, he's been coaching the Wolverines all week, so don't expect his absence to be key. This isn't the same Buckeyes offense as the past few years, and edge to JJ McCarthy and the Michigan offense. Play Michigan

Both Ohio State and Michigan will look to keep their undefeated seasons going Saturday. For all the controversy surrounding Michigan they have continued to not make excuses on the field. Look for a great game from both teams, but the execution to be just a little bit better on the Wolverines side. Grab Michigan as the home favorite.

The last two years in this series we’ve seen shootout wins by Michigan, but I don’t see this being a shootout. Ohio State has stayed Under in nine of 11 games this season. We’ve got the No. 1 defense of Michigan against Ohio State’s No. 3 defense and I don’t think Kyle McCord is ready for this level of football. Against Michigan State they let him loose, against Michigan, I think the coaches will not let him be the reason they lose. McCord only has four interceptions, but it’s J.J. McCarthy that I trust here in this big game. Michigan to cover.

Yes, these are two of the best defenses in the country, and yes, both of these offenses have struggled against the best defenses they've faced. I don't care. The winner of this game has averaged over 43 points by themselves the last seven meetings.

I know the last nine meetings of Ohio State-Michigan have gone over the point total, but this year's edition is different. Both defenses are on a record pace, holding opponents to under 10 points per game on average. Both teams have combined to allow 17 points or more just twice. This game has a typical Big Ten rock fight feel to it, a low-scoring affair. Prediction: Ohio State 23, Michigan 17.

These two teams have combined for 68 or more points in each of the last four games between the two rivals despite at least one of them being ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense. Both defenses have been stellar this season, but it’s hard not to believe that Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr and Michigan Blake Corum will go off if this game follows the same trend. Watch for this game to obliterate the point total.

Ohio state is battle tested (wins @ND and over PSU). With not much ahead on the schedule they can get healthy and rested leading up to this one. Meanwhile, Michigan hasn’t played anyone of note…are we sure they are battle tested and great? Plus program distractions, and they have to go to Happy Valley before this one. The line won’t go up but it may come way down….