Cincinnati vs. Ohio St. Prediction
Can No. 5 Ohio State avoid a letdown at home when the Buckeyes take on in-state rival Cincinnati today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
321 Cincinnati vs. 322 Ohio State
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Noon ET – Ohio Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Ohio State is the clear favorite in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -16 points against the Bearcats. The over/under total is currently listed at 53.5 points. The public betting currently has 57 percent going on Ohio State as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Buckeyes start fast, slow down
Ohio State started fast and picked up a 45-21 victory at home over Florida Atlantic last Saturday to open the year. The Buckeyes failed to cover as a 27-point favorite at home while pushing the 66-point total.
The Buckeyes took a 28-0 lead just eight minutes into Saturday’s game, but then kind of took their foot off the gas. They would be outscored by FAU for the final three quarters, 21-17. For the game, FAU was held to just 228 total yards while Ohio State put up 469. Justin Fields had a promising first start as QB of Ohio State, as he threw for 234 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 61 yards and a score. J.K. Dobbins led the ground attack with 91 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Chase Young led the Ohio State defense with five tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Bearcats handle Bruins
Cincinnati picked up a solid win last Thursday when it opened the season with a 24-14 win at home over UCLA. The Bearcats came in as a 2.5-point favorite, so they covered. They also went well under the 55.5-point total.
The Bearcats absolutely dominated on defense in last week’s win, holding Chip Kelly’s UCLA to just 218 total yards while forcing four turnovers. Offensively, Cincy had 417 total yards behind a balanced attack. Quarterback Desmond Ridder threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 34 yards. Michael Warren II led the ground attack with 92 yards and a score while Ja’von Hicks led the defense with an interception and fumble recovery.
College Football Betting Trends
Ohio State
The Buckeyes have covered in four straight against winning teams, but are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games on fieldturf.
Cincinnati
The Bearcats are just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 against a winning team and 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.
Prediction:
Ohio State wasn’t too impressive in the later stages of the opener against FAU, but the Buckeyes still have the ability to be explosive. Cincinnati is impressive defensively, but the Bearcats aren’t overwhelming on offense. I think OSU’s defense will be able to contain the Bearcats while still finding ways to hit those big plays. It won’t be dominance, but I like Ohio State to cover this spread at home. OSU has covered in three straight meetings with Cincinnati.
College Football Week 2 Prediction: Ohio State -16
Related: Cincinnati vs. Ohio State Total Prediction