“The Game” is finally here and the Buckeyes have been waiting for this moment all season. It’s been four years since Ohio State beat Michigan and best online sports betting are calling for a blowout at The Horseshoe.

The Buckeyes clearly have the upper hand against the six-win Wolverines, but Michigan will be ultra-motivated to pull off an upset and keep Ohio State out of the Big Ten championship. Below you’ll find my expert predictions and best bets for Michigan vs. Ohio State, which is the biggest game of the rivalry weekend.

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Michigan vs. Ohio State Predictions and Best Bets

• Ohio State -20.5: -110 on bet365
• Will Howard on 2.5 passing TDs: +194 at FanDuel

*Note: Odds are based on the best value found by our experts at the time of publication; check the lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

It’s reasonable to expect the nation’s No. 2 team to overlook a mediocre opponent as the conference championship and College Football Playoff loom on the horizon. However, that’s the last thing I expect this afternoon.

OSU is going to have bad intentions when Michigan visits Ohio Stadium. Frustration within the Buckeyes program has been building for years, and I expect coach Ryan Day to run up the score on a bitter rival.

According to TeamRankings, the Buckeyes are 5-3 against the spread (ATS) in conference play, with covers in three of the last four weeks. The Wolverines are 4-7 against the spread and 1-2 as a 6+ point underdog.

Michigan is experiencing one of the worst air attacks in the country. The only thing that went well offensively for the Wolverines was running the ball. This is bad news because OSU allows the third fewest rushing yards in FBS. Only four teams have allowed fewer rushing touchdowns than the Buckeyes.

I predict Michigan will struggle to pound the rock, leading to a decisive victory for Ohio State. I’m also calling for quarterback Will Howard to throw at least three touchdowns against a Wolverines defense that has struggled to hold up the pass.

Howard has two or more touchdowns in all but one game, and Day will be motivated to embarrass Ohio State’s biggest rival. Day has been on the wrong side of a blowout in two of the last three seasons. I expect him to turn things around here.

Michigan vs. Ohio State Money Odds Analysis

Why Ohio State could win as a favorite

Best odds: -1600 at BetMGM

Star CB Will Johnson has missed five straight games and the Wolverine pass defense has suffered without him. Michigan is allowing 222 yards per game and Ohio State’s leading pass receivers should have no problem exploiting that weakness.

WRs Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka are among the best in the country and both are tied for the most touchdown receptions in the Big Ten. Running the ball may not be easy due to injuries along OSU’s offensive line, so Howard needs to be sharp.

Michigan will be in even worse shape if TE Colston Loveland can’t play after suffering an apparent shoulder injury last week. Loveland is questionable and leads the Wolverines in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Loveland has more yards than Michigan’s top four receivers combined.

Why Michigan Could Win as an Underdog

Best odds: +1160 at FanDuel

Michigan is 6-5 after winning the national championship. It’s been a disappointing year, but the Wolverines can salvage the season with a win at Ohio Stadium.

Michigan would love to put an end to Ohio State’s postseason projections. The Buckeyes would likely make the CFP with a loss, but the Wolverines can keep OSU out of the Big Ten championship.

The positive momentum should continue after last week’s 50-6 shellacking of Northwestern. Michigan recorded six sacks and held the Wildcats to 128 total yards. The Wolverines defense has gone six straight quarters without allowing a touchdown.

That streak is unlikely to continue against Ohio State, and quarterback Davis Warren needs his best performance of the year to get the win. Warren has more interceptions than touchdowns and only has one game with more than 200 passing yards, but he could be coach Sherrone Moore’s only option if the running game is ineffective.

OSU’s offensive line is dealing with injuries and Michigan needs to take advantage by increasing the pressure on Howard. The Wolverine’s 31 sacks are third in the conference, and star DL Mason Graham can clog the running lanes when Howard hands him off.