Oregon State vs. Ohio State Prediction
After a month of turmoil, how will No. 5 Ohio State perform when the Buckeyes play host to Oregon State on Saturday at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
155 Oregon State at 156 Ohio State
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Noon ET – Ohio Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Ohio State is the clear favorite, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -38.5 points against Oregon State on Saturday. The over/under total is listed at 64 points. The public betting for this game currently has 57 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.
Oregon State a mess in 2017
Oregon State was a disaster in 2017, posting a 1-11 record. The team saw coach Gary Andersen resign in the middle of the year and the program is now turned over to first-time coach Jonathan Smith. He was the offensive coordinator for Washington the last four seasons. The Beavers weren’t much better against the spread last year, going 3-9. They were 9-3 with the over.
There wasn’t much secret to why the Beavers were so bad, as they gave up 516 points a year ago. The offense wasn’t very good either, putting up just 248 points. The team hopes Jake Luton can provide a spark this year at QB. He had his 2017 season end early due to a spine fracture. Prior to the injury, he threw for 853 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. The team lost their leading rusher in Ryan Nall, but does bring back tight end Noah Togiai, who caught 34 passes for 461 yards and two scores in 2017. However, Togiai will miss the start of the season with a knee injury.
Ohio State without Urban Meyer
Ohio State had high hopes for 2018 after going 12-2 last year and winning the Big Ten title. However, a month of turmoil with the program over the behavior of former assistant Zach Smith has landed head coach Urban Meyer with a 3-game suspension. Ryan Day will be the coach with Meyer gone. The Buckeyes were 7-7 against the spread last season and 9-5 with the over.
The Buckeyes have the potential to overcome the loss of Meyer. They put up 576 points on offense last year while allowing 266 on defense. J.T. Barrett is gone, but Ohio State has Dwayne Haskins returning and the Buckeyes intend to use freshman Tate Martell as well. They both can rely on a dominant run game that features J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber, who combined for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground in 2017. They also return a lot of capable receivers.
College Football Betting Trends
Oregon State
Oregon State has failed to cover in four of its last five non-conference games and six of its last seven road games.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are 12-3-1 against the spread in their last 16 against Pac-12 opponents. However, they are just 1-4 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
Prediction:
While the loss of Urban Meyer could make an impact, I expect a pretty raucous environment in Columbus on Saturday. Buckeye fans will rally around this team and I think they will give those fans something to see. Oregon State poses no threat on either side of the ball, so this should be an easy and dominant performance. I like the Buckeyes to cover with ease.
College Football Prediction: Ohio State -38.5