In a clash that carries immense weight in the college football world, the annual battle between Ohio State and Michigan is set to take place as the regular season comes to a close. Scheduled strategically for the final week, this matchup serves as a precursor to the conference championships, playoff bids, and bowl announcements that lie ahead.

Both the Buckeyes and Wolverines find themselves in a pivotal position, desperately needing a win to solidify their place among the top contenders in the Big Ten. While they are undeniably the two strongest teams in the conference, only one can secure a spot in the title game, potentially leading to a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. As the loser awaits the committee's verdict on their one-loss non-champion status, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Michigan enters this game as a slight favorite, with odds favoring them by about a field goal at home. This is hardly surprising considering their strong performance throughout the season. However, it is a rare sight for the Buckeyes, who have enjoyed an impressive run as favorites in their previous 43 games against Big Ten opponents, the longest active streak within any conference.

The question now looms - how should one approach betting on this highly anticipated clash? According to ESPN Analytics, Michigan is favored by two points at the Big House. It is worth noting, though, that the last time Ohio State was an underdog against a Big Ten team was in 2018, when they emerged victorious with a resounding 62-39 win against none other than Michigan.

When it comes to the total score, the previous nine Ohio State versus Michigan encounters have all exceeded the total, with an average of 17.9 points per game surpassing expectations. However, this season has seen the Buckeyes' games trending towards the under, with unders hitting in 9 out of their 11 games, making them one of the teams with the highest under percentage in FBS.

Anticipation for this game is reaching a fever pitch as experts weigh in on the potential outcome. Matt Miller believes that Michigan's offense, despite being the better team on paper, may be lacking due to the absence of head coach Jim Harbaugh. He leans towards Ohio State emerging victorious based on this assessment. Dalen Cuff shares similar sentiments, expressing skepticism about Michigan's offense against Ohio State's formidable defense. He predicts a lower-scoring affair and suggests betting on the under. Kevin Pulsifer also leans towards the Buckeyes, considering them the superior team in a season filled with controversy surrounding the Wolverines.

In addition to the Ohio State vs. Michigan showdown, other enticing Week 13 betting favorites are on the horizon. Matt Miller advises taking Missouri to cover the spread of 7.5 points against Arkansas, citing the significant talent discrepancy between the two teams. Kevin Pulsifer, on the other hand, recommends keeping an eye on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors as underdogs against Colorado State, highlighting the Rams' struggles on the road.

As the excitement builds for an action-packed Week 13 in college football, fans and bettors alike can expect a thrilling matchup between Ohio State and Michigan, accompanied by enticing betting options across the board.