Ohio State on roll against rival
Every short list of the greatest rivalries in college football undoubtedly includes the annual November meeting between Ohio State and Michigan known simply as “The Game.”
Although the Wolverines lead the all-time series (57-43-6), the Buckeyes enter today’s battle at the Horseshoe seeking their seventh straight victory in the rivalry.
Ohio State, 10-1 and in a three-way tie atop the Big Ten Conference, maintains remote national championship hopes and has been tabbed as a 17-point favorite.
Michigan started fast against a smorgasbord of lightweight and middleweight opponents before stumbling once it reached the conference schedule.
More than one coach has either bought time — or lost his job — based on his ability to win or lose this game.
“You’re defined by your Ohio State-Michigan games,” Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said. “Certainly, whether they’re on their way to winning championships or not winning championships, or going to BCS bowl games or not going to BCS bowl games, the Ohio State-Michigan game has a compartment of its own.”
Michigan’s defense has been torched by most opponents and ranks No. 112 in the nation in total defense, allowing 445 yards per game.
Those numbers would seem to indicate that Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor is likely to have a big day.
Ohio State is 7-0 against the spread this season as a home favorite, winning by an average of 34.3 points.
Lay the 17 points with the Buckeyes.
Seven more plays for today (home team in CAPS):
■ PURDUE (-3) over Indiana — Both teams have been hit hard by injuries, with the Boilermakers losing their top quarterback, running back and receiver. Indiana, which has not defeated a Bowl Championship Series conference opponent all season, is 4-10 against the spread in its past 14 Big Ten games on the road.
■ TENNESSEE (-2½) over Kentucky — The Volunteers are making steady strides and need a victory to gain bowl eligibility. Kentucky is winless in three Southeastern Conference road games.
■ CONNECTICUT (-2) over Cincinnati — The Bearcats are 1-3 on the road. Connecticut enters the game off consecutive wins — all as an underdog — over West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
■ WISCONSIN (-23) over Northwestern — Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema has hung 70 points or more on two opponents (Austin Peay and Indiana) this season and clearly has no problem keeping his foot firmly planted on the accelerator.
■ PENN STATE (+1) over Michigan State — Since switching to former walk-on Matt McGloin at quarterback, the Nittany Lions’ offense has shown new life, scoring 33 or more points in four of their past five games. Michigan State is the most overrated 10-1 BCS team in the nation. The Spartans have not won in Happy Valley since 1965.
■ Louisiana Tech (-11½) over SAN JOSE STATE — Louisiana Tech has defeated similar Western Athletic Conference foes (Utah State, Idaho and New Mexico State) by 13 or more points this season. The Bulldogs have covered four of their past five, and San Jose has failed to cover seven of its past nine.
■ Idaho (+11) over FRESNO STATE — Since the start of the 2002 season, the Bulldogs are 7-32 against the spread off a defeat. Fresno State is coming off games against WAC royalty UNR and Boise State and has a date against Illinois on deck.
Last week: 4-4-1 against the spread
Season: 38-47-3
Texas-based handicapper Paul Stone of Vegassportsauthority.com is providing college football analysis for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.