If you were asked to pick Ohio State vs Northwestern on the football field off the top of your head, what might you guess?

Would it be 50-0 Buckeyes? 100-0? Maybe something a little tighter, like 55-10?

Many guesses would go something like that, but in the upside down season of 2020 they might be way off. The Northwestern Wildcats have upset their way into the Big Ten Championship game, knocking off both Iowa and Wisconsin on the road there, and find themselves a -20.5 point underdog to the Buckeyes for Saturday’s big game.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

With the launch coming on January 1, 2023, Ohio sports betting apps are almost here. Pre-registration is now available at FanDuel Ohio for an extra $100 bonus. Learn more. Check out some of the best promotions available for bettors in Ohio.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

...

ESPN BET is now live in Ohio

Bet $1 on Ohio State-Minnesota, Get $250 in Bonuses. Must use promo code SATURDAY to get your $250 bonus.

...

But ESPN’s Bill Connelly says, according to his SP+ formula for projecting outcomes, the championship game might be a lot closer than the experts, or blind guessers, think.

While Connelly’s formula is not calling for anything ludicrous, it is giving Northwestern an edge on the point spread, claiming the game will go down 34-16 in favor of the Bucks, giving Northwestern a two-point cover and victory for those who put cash on the barrelhead for the B1G Cats to beat the line. 

Last time here in 2018, Ohio State defeated Northwestern 45-24, good enough to beat tomorrow’s spread. In four appearances in the title game, the Buckeyes have outscored their West Division opponent 41-16 on average, making for a 25 point advantage. But for those who feel the mystic power of the SP+ formula, tomorrow’s money must go down on the Wildcats.

The Big Ten Championship game kicks off tomorrow at Noon ET on FOX.