Free Pick: Michigan State (9-1) at Ohio State (9-1) 11/20/21

This is the biggest game of the week and it features two Big-10 teams with playoff aspirations. It’s a must-win for both teams and the loser is out of the picture for any playoff consideration. The Buckeyes are the king in the conference until someone knocks them off. The Spartans have the offense to give them trouble, but can their defense hold up against Ohio State. Let’s look and see how Vegas views it.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Michigan State: 23.5 Total Team Points Michigan State has quietly been putting up very impressive numbers on offense. They are balanced on offense and are putting up 35 points and 450 total yards per game. Couple those stats with the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes are giving up 20 points and 367 yards a contest. Digging in a little bit further, against their three best opponents, they allowed 35 against Oregon, 24 to Penn State, and 31 last week against Purdue. I like Michigan State OVER 23.5 team points.

Ohio State: 43.5 Total Team Points This total seem a little high to me, even though they are averaging 46 points and 550 total yards per game. However, they have a dynamic offense going up against a Michigan State pass defense that is suspect. I just don’t like betting a line where to win the team has to score 44 points. I will take Ohio State UNDER 43.5 Total Team Points (but not bet it).

OVER/UNDER: 67 Combined Team Points Vegas is anticipating a shootout and that could very well happen with the offenses that these two have. They are averaging 81 points per game when you combine the two point totals. And, neither team has overwhelming defensive stats. If the weather is good, I can see it being 48-27 or 45-31. I’m betting OVER 67 combined team points.

POINT SPREAD: Ohio State is a 19-point favorite Betting this spread, depends upon how much respect you have for Michigan State. If you like them, then you have to take the Spartans plus the points. The line seems a little high considering Michigan State is in the Top-10 and has a victory over Michigan, which is a better win than anything Ohio State has achieved. However, the Buckeyes’ offense is pretty scary and the Michigan State defense is weak in the secondary which doesn’t add up to much success at stopping Ohio State.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Michigan State OVER 23.5 team points.