Oddsmakers pull Ohio State Betting Odds
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has been placed on paid leave, which has caused sportsbooks to remove futures and prop bets associated with the Buckeyes.
College football insider Brett McMurphy reported Wednesday that Meyer was previously aware of the two allegations of domestic abuse against his former assistant, Zach Smith, in 2015. The Buckeyes fired Smith last week after news surfaced regarding an alleged history of domestic violence. While Meyer denied having previous knowledge of the allegations during Big Ten Media Days last week, McMurphy reports that the coach was actually aware of the allegations at the time.
On Wednesday night, Ohio State placed Meyer on paid administrative leave while the program investigates how much the head coach knew. With Meyer on leave for at least the start of August camp, offensive coordinator Ryan Day will work as acting head coach in the short term.
As expected, sportsbooks are being proactive should Meyer ultimately receive discipline from Ohio State. The Buckeyes were 6/1 to win the national championship before Meyer was placed on leave. They were also +120 to win the Big Ten, have an over/under of 10.5 for their season win total, and were a 37.5-point favorite to beat Oregon State in Week 1 of the season.
While their Week 1 spread might not alter that much if Meyer is suspended, the Buckeyes’ national championship and Big Ten odds will certainly be affected if punishment is levied.