The Game is back, and the stakes couldn’t be any higher. #1 Ohio State is looking to complete a perfect regular season, with a repeat trip to the national title game within reach. However, doing so won’t be easy against #15 Michigan. The Wolverines have won four straight against their arch rival – can they make it five this weekend?
Which players will step up for their squad on Saturday? These are the top college football prop bets to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for Week 14’s contest between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines.
Ohio State enters this contest as 9.5-point favorites (-112) over Michigan, with the over/under set at 43.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Ohio State vs. Michigan best prop bets
Bryce Underwood 20+ rushing yards (+106)
Finding a weakness in Ohio State’s defense feels like extreme nitpicking. After all, the Buckeyes have held opponents to the Big Ten’s lowest rushing yards and passing yards per game. Still, I’m not anticipating a total lack of ball movement for Michigan, especially at home. Now that running back Justice Haynes’ season is over, more responsibility has been given to Bryce Underwood. As a passer, the freshman has been mediocre. However, he’s proven to be a stellar scrambler.
Through 11 games, Underwood has picked up 322 rushing yards and five touchdowns. During seven of those outings, he’s managed to rack up at least 20 yards. Last season, Michigan defeated OSU despite throwing the ball just 16 times. This year’s squad will likely utilize a similar game plan. However, they won’t have a standout running back such as Kalel Mullings to handle 20+ carries. That’s not to say current starter Jordan Marshall is a scrub. However, a more varied rushing attack might be necessary. Given Underwood’s ability with his legs, 20+ yards at plus money is worth a closer look.
Max Klare anytime touchdown scorer (+170)
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate both sat out during OSU’s victory last weekend vs. Rutgers. In fact, the latter of the two hasn’t played since Week 10 against Penn State. Even if the star wideouts do suit up on Saturday, they might not be operating at 100%. That could spell trouble for the Buckeyes. Together, Smith and Tate have accounted for 17 of the team’s 28 receiving touchdowns. As a result, quarterback Julian Sayin may need to get more creative than usual vs. Michigan.
That means involving some other pass catchers, including tight end Max Klare. Through 11 games, the junior has tallied 38 catches for 400 yards and two touchdowns. All three of those numbers are good enough for third-best on Ohio State’s roster. In four of Klare’s previous five appearances, he’s recorded at least five receptions. That hasn’t led to much red zone success – yet. Still, with that level of usage, it may only be a matter of time. If you’re looking for a Buckeyes scorer other than Smith or Tate, Klare is a worthy alternative.
