Rutgers vs. Ohio State Prediction
Should No. 2 Ohio State have any trouble when taking on Rutgers today at Noon ET on the Big Ten Network?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Ohio State is the clear favorite in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -38 points against Rutgers. The over/under total is listed at 60 points. Ohio State has won and covered the spread in both Big Ten meetings with Rutgers.
Ohio State is off to a 3-0 start while going 3-0 against the spread thanks to an offense that is putting up 56.7 points and 545.3 yards per game. The Buckeyes have actually covered the spread in five straight games, dating back to last season. The offense continues to run smoothly under the leadership of J.T. Barrett, who has thrown for 650 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 159 yards. Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel have combined for 611 rushing yards and three scores to provide a great replacement for Ezekiel Elliott. Defensively, Ohio State is holding opponents to just 12.3 points and 278.3 yards per game.
Rutgers opened Big Ten play last week with a 14-7 loss at home to Iowa. The Knights played tough, but fell to 2-2 on the season while covering the spread to improve to 2-2 ATS this year. The Rutgers defense has shown some positive signs this season, allowing just 26 points and 362.5 yards per game. The offense is averaging only 27.3 points and 387.3 yards per game. The offense is led by Robert Martin, who has rushed for 358 yards and a touchdown while QB Chris Laviano has thrown for 647 yards and five touchdowns.
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Rutgers may have some things to offer on defense, but I doubt it will be able to slow down Ohio State. The Buckeyes are doing pretty much whatever they want on offense and their defense is good enough to stop most teams, especially the Knights. I know 38 points is a lot to give up, but Ohio State has had no trouble covering that lofty of a spread against teams like Tulsa and Bowling Green. Rutgers is on a similar level.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5 PREDICTION: OHIO STATE -38