Minnesota vs. Ohio State Prediction
No. 3 Ohio State wasn’t able to cover a large spread at home last week against Indiana. Will the Buckeyes be able to do it this Saturday when they host Minnesota?
Game Snapshot & Odds
171 Minnesota at 172 Ohio State
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Noon ET – Ohio Stadium
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Ohio State is the clear favorite in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -29.5 points against Minnesota. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 59.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 76 percent going on Ohio State at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Minnesota winless in Big Ten
After a 3-0 start to the season, Minnesota has lost both of its Big Ten games, failing to cover in both as well. The Golden Gophers are 3-2 overall, 0-2 in the Big Ten, 3-2 against the spread and 3-2 with the over.
Defense is becoming an issue for the Gophers. On the season, Minnesota is giving up just 23.4 points and 324.2 yards per game. However, they have given up 90 points combined to Maryland and Iowa in their first two conference games. Offensively, Minnesota is averaging 27.8 points and 341.4 yards per game. Quarterback Zack Annexstad has thrown for 924 yards and eight touchdowns, but also has five interceptions. Bryce Williams is the leading rusher with 311 yards and a score.
Buckeyes winning, not covering
Ohio State improved to 6-0 last week with a 49-26 win over Indiana, but the Buckeyes couldn’t cover the 27-point spread. OSU is now 3-0 in the Big Ten, 3-3 against the spread and 3-3 with the over/under total.
Ohio State is putting up 49 points and 565.7 yards per game on offense this year. The Buckeyes are dangerous on the ground and in the air. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins has thrown for 1,919 yards with 25 touchdowns and four interceptions. Parris Campbell is his top target, as Campbell has 35 catches for 501 yards and seven touchdowns. The duo of J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber have combined for 882 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Ohio State is giving up 20 points and 365.2 yards per game.
College Football Betting Trends
Minnesota
Minnesota is 0-4-1 against the spread in its last five road games and 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven against a team with a winning record.
Ohio State
Ohio State has covered the spread in four of its last five home games and in five of its last seven on fieldturf.
Prediction:
While Ohio State failed to cover last week and hasn’t been great against the spread, I think the Buckeyes get back on track this week. OSU was still reeling a little after it’s hard-fought win at Penn State and came out slow on defense against Indiana. They should have an easier time with a simple Minnesota offense. The Gophers have already given up big points to lesser offenses, so I expect Ohio State to put up a huge number.
College Football Prediction: Ohio State -29.5