Why is Michigan preferred over Ohio State in the morning constitutional?
On Tuesday, BetOnline.ag released their first college football lines for the season’s marquee games. It’s a way to generate some betting ($500 limits) and interest during the offseason, and Michigan opened as a 6.5-point favorite over Ohio State.
Buckeyes fans were obviously not buying it, and they took to Twitter, Facebook, the workplace, church, and message boards to express their confusion and disbelief. Even some Michigan fans, like last season, were rolling their eyes at the prospect of being favored.
I had a couple of people ask me how Michigan could be favored after losing 62-39 last year. They also mentioned Ohio State’s current complete and militant ownership.
possesses over the Wolverines.
There are reasons for Michigan to be favored, however, and they’re not insignificant.
For one thing, the game is in Ann Arbor, and home-field advantage is real, even if it doesn’t always appear that way.
There’s also the minor detail that Urban Meyer is no longer the head coach at Ohio State. Meyer has always outclassed his opponents. He did it at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and he definitely domesticated the Wolverines during his seven seasons at OSU.
Ryan Day has a lot of confidence, but he’s not 7-0 against Michigan.
Dwayne Haskins has also left the team. The best passing quarterback in Ohio State history has left for the NFL, and the Buckeyes will now turn to a player who has never been used.
Only those three factors — location, no more
The absence of Urban Meyer and Dwayne Haskins is enough to make the Wolverines a favorite.
Michigan does lose some talented defensive players (and coaches), but defensive coordinator Don Brown returns, and he has previously replaced starters.
I understand what you’re saying right now. That’s what you’re saying, “The same Don Brown whose defense played a large role in 62-39 last year?”
Yes, it’s the same Don Brown. The same Don Brown who held OSU to 350 total yards in 207 and 330 yards in 2016.
Jim Harbaugh, the head coach at Michigan, has also hired a new offensive coordinator and has promised to open up the offense. There will be no more squandered snaps with a fullback and two tight ends on the field.
In theory, yes.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State defense is currently a mystery. You’re familiar with the players who are popular among Buckeye fans.
to complain about? They’re probably going to start this year as well.
