Big Ten Championship Game Preview
The Michigan State Spartans will face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship game on Saturday. If Ohio State wins, they will likely face the Florida State Seminoles in the BCS Championship game, while the Michigan State Spartans will likely go to the Rose Bowl either way.
The game will be a classic clash of contrasting styles. The Ohio State Buckeyes have the third-ranked offense in the country, while the Spartans are ranked fourth in scoring defense, giving up just 11.8 points per game. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the Buckeyes’ possible inclusion in the BCS title game, though its two season-long unbeaten streak likely qualifies it for a spot. The Buckeyes were undefeated last season, and likely would’ve contended for a place in the title game, but they were banned from postseason play by the NCAA. Head coach Urban Meyer has an outstanding record in bowl games, going 7-1 total at Utah and Florida.
“I feel very strongly about my team,” Meyer said. “I would take this team anywhere with me. A team that knows how to win and refuses to lose is a special team and this is a very special team.”
There have been doubts about the strength of both teams’ schedules heading into this match, though they can’t help it; the Big Ten has suffered through a down season, and these two teams have made the most of their opportunities. The Buckeyes are currently favored by 5.5 points, a clear indication that the Las Vegas oddsmakers don’t know what to make of this one. I’d take Michigan State at +5.5 either way; their defense is stout, and this contest will likely come down to the final minutes of play.
Big Ten Championship Game: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans
Ohio State Buckeyes: -5.5 Point Favorites
Ohio State Buckeyes Trends
- Ohio State is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
- Ohio State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
- Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ohio State’s last 7 games
- Ohio State is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Michigan State
- Ohio State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Michigan State
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ohio State’s last 5 games when playing Michigan State
Michigan State Spartans Trends
- Michigan State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
- Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan State’s last 6 games
- Michigan State is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Ohio State
- Michigan State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Ohio State
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan State’s last 5 games when playing Ohio State
