Ohio State vs. Indiana Pick
Can No. 2 Ohio State make a statement in its opener with Indiana when the two collide tonight at 8PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Ohio State is favored on the road in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -21 points against the Hoosiers. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 57 points. Ohio State has won the last 10 meetings in this series. These two meet from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. The game will air live from ESPN.
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Ohio State is coming off a playoff appearance in 2016. The Buckeyes were 11-2 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes were 7-6 against the spread last season, including a 3-6 mark ATS in conference game. Ohio State had one of the more prolific offenses in 2016, averaging 39.4 points per game. J.T. Barrett is back at QB after throwing for 2,555 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 845 yards and nine scores. Mike Weber is also back after leading Ohio State in rushing with 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns. The team will be working in new receivers, but the Buckeyes continually recruit as well as anyone in the country and should have new players ready to step up. Defensively, Ohio State was very strong a year ago, allowing just 15.5 points per game.
Indiana opens a new era in the program as Tom Allen makes his debut as head coach. Indiana was just 6-7 last season and 4-5 in the Big Ten. They were also 6-7 against the spread overall and 4-5 ATS in conference games. In 2016, Indiana posted just 25.7 points per game while giving up 27.2 per contest. Richard Lagow returns for his senior season at quarterback. He struggled with turnovers last season, throwing 17 interceptions with 19 TD’s and 3,362 yards. The team has a big hole in the backfield with Devine Redding moving on. He rushed for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns in 2016. The offense could turn more to the pass game this year, which could mean more from Nick Westbrook at receiver. He caught 54 passes for 995 yards and six touchdowns in 2016.
Indiana should be amped up for this game at home. It’s a huge debut for a new coach and on national television. However, Ohio State is likely to be too much for the Hoosiers. Ohio State has a veteran quarterback and a talented running back. The Buckeyes should be able to march all over the Indiana offense. While the Hoosiers could ride some early momentum to success on offense, Ohio State should eventually shut them down. Look for Ohio State to make a statement in their opener and pick up a huge win.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: OHIO STATE -21
