Michigan at Ohio State Betting Tips: Picks & Odds
As everyone knows, the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes have the greatest rivalry in college football. But what most sports fans and gamblers don’t know is that the Maize and Blue vs. the Scarlet and Gray in college hockey is as heated as it gets.
Michigan and Ohio State have met 90 times, with Michigan holding a 51-31-8 advantage.
However, Ohio State has been far more competitive against Michigan at home, with a 18-19-5 record. This should come as no surprise, as Ohio State fans have blood-red hate in their eyes for anything to do with Michigan. Buckeye hockey players and coaches know that beating Michigan at Value City Arena is good for their quality of life.
However, Michigan will bring one of college hockey's most storied programs to Columbus on Saturday. Not only are the Wolverines the top-ranked team in the nation, but they are also aiming for their fourth Frozen Four in the past five years.
Most importantly, Michigan believes it is way past due for a national title. The Wolverines' last natty was in 1998, an eternity by program standards.
It is also strange that, despite the program's success, Michigan has not won a conference title since 2011.
Meanwhile, the struggling Buckeyes are unlikely to make a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan at Ohio State Preview
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Ohio State Buckeyes will host the
Michigan Wolverines at the Value City Arena in Columbus, OH. Faceoff time is
5 p.m. ET with television coverage on Big Ten Plus.
Get the latest information and guidance for betting on hockey right now.
Public Betting Odds Factors
- Michigan is one of the biggest brands in college hockey with mass casual sector recognition.
- Ohio State is not well known or regarded, which can help its betting value.
- Michigan will get a price break on the road, a rare discount for a top-ranked power program that has maximum name recognition.
Michigan at Ohio State Predictions
Handicapping Factors to Consider
- Michigan has been an outstanding betting value with six straight wins.
- Ohio State has been an erratic hockey betting value with only three wins in its last 13 games.
- Michigan has a dominant advantage on both ends of the ice.
- Ohio State lacks the Wolverines' firepower and has a significant disadvantage on defense and in goal.
- Michigan will be highly motivated after its bye week and eager to get back on track.
- Michigan has dominated its series against Ohio State.
- In this situation, Michigan is the vastly superior program with a road team discount.
Michigan at Ohio State PRIME Best Bet: Michigan Wolverines
Michigan at Ohio State Betting Tips
Michigan Wolverines
- Last week, the Michigan Wolverines were idle after sweeping the Minnesota Golden Gophers on the road by scores of 5-1 and 3-2.
- Michigan has a 20-4 record and is 11-3 in the Big Ten.
- The Wolverines have scored 116 goals and allowed 50.
- Michigan is 30.8% on the power play and is at 79.7% for penalty killing.
- Michigan is led by senior forward TJ Hughes (11 goals, 23 assists, 34 points, +10).
- The Wolverines' #1 goalie is freshman Jack Ivankovic (1.92 GAA, .927 save percentage).
Ohio State Buckeyes
- Last week, the Ohio State Buckeyes split a two-game road series against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (a 4-2 win and a 6-1 loss).
- Ohio State has an 8-13-1 record and is 4-8 in the Big Ten.
- The Buckeyes have scored 64 goals and allowed 77.
- Ohio State is 23.8% on the power play and 76.5% on penalty killing.
- The Ohio State goalies are junior Kristoffer Eberly (3.34 GAA, .883 save percentage) and Sam Hillebrandt (3.42 GAA, .898 save percentage).
Michigan at Ohio State Head-to-Head and Key Stats
- Ohio State is 5-5-1 at home this season.
- Michigan is 10-2 on the road this season
- In their series against Michigan, Ohio State won two of its last ten games.
- Michigan won three of its last four games at Ohio State
