Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines Game Predictions

There is plenty at stake in "The Game" this year, although it's a bit different than past seasons. In recent seasons the winner was in the national championship picture and was going to play for the Big Ten title. The 2024 installment certainly has those stakes on the line for the 2nd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1), but the struggling Michigan Wolverines (6-5) are playing for momentum heading into bowl season.

Michigan has won the last three games, but the Buckeyes are huge favorites in this game. Can the Buckeyes get back on track in this rivalry and lock in a trip to the Big Ten title game for the first time since 2020? Or will the Wolverines pull off the huge upset and knock the Buckeyes out of the title game, and perhaps the playoff? 

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Date: Saturday - November 30
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Channel: Fox
Line: Ohio State -19.0, O/U: 42.5

Irish Breakdown has made predictions for this key matchup.

BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER

Prediction: Ohio State 34, Michigan 10

This is a great storyline, there's no doubt about that. The defending champions and the team that has controlled this rivalry the last three seasons is struggling big time. An upset victory would send shockwaves through the college football world. 

Yeah, it would be a great story, but I just don't see it happening. Don't let Michigan's 50-6 win over Northwestern fool you. The Wildcats are awful and lost six of their last seven games. Michigan still didn't get to 400 yards of offense in that win, something it hasn't done since a September 14th win over Arkansas State.

Michigan still plays pretty good defense, even without Will Johnson. Ohio State's offense has been good but hasn't been its typical high octane self this season. It will be good enough against Michigan, because the Buckeyes do have an elite defense that leads the nation in scoring (10.7). Barring them just not showing up with any kind of focus, the Buckeyes will likely shut down this below average Michigan offense and earn a rematch against Oregon.

VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 7

The Big Game. Ohio State has basically choked the past few times they have been in this game. Personally they have let me down on too many occasions. Now the tables have turned and Michigan is the underdog in this rivalry game. As Irish fans we would love to see Michigan pull the upset on the Buckeyes but I fear that is asking too much. Ohio State is peaking at the right time and the Wolverines have struggled for most of the season. Nothing changes in this game. Ohio State stamps their ticket the Big Ten title game in this one and I fear it won't be close.

SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 17

Michigan’s defense is playing better but there’s just not enough offense to keep up. Ryan Day finally gets his second win over the Wolverines.

TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Michigan 7

Michigan is going to struggled offensively, and outside of a long offensive touchdown run for Michigan, they will not be able to reach the end zone after the first quarter. Ohio State's offense is going to roll in this one, and Michigan's secondary will have trouble shutting down the Buckeyes' passing attack. 

NICK KREMER, RECRUITING ANALYST

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Michigan 10

The pressure is on Ryan Day after losing the last three matchups against Michigan, and Ohio State will leave nothing to chance this time. Expect the Buckeyes to dominate, pulling away early and not looking back.

ANDREW McDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Ohio State 34, Michigan 3

Fresh off validating his program's ascent by running up the score against traditional powerhouse Indiana, Ryan Day, America's self-proclaimed toughest coach, takes on his nemesis looking to reverse the 3-game slide against the hated rival from the north. With no Jim Harbaugh on the opposite sideline and sporting the nation's top-ranked scoring defense, Ohio State has the talent to keep Michigan out of the end zone, exorcise some demons, and score from third base. 

STAFF STANDINGS

Bryan - 38-12
Vince - 36-14
Andrew - 36-14
Nick - 36-14
Sean - 34-16
Trevor - 33-17