It’s that time of the year again. Week 1 of the college football schedule is finally here, and fans of Ohio State are already dreaming of another appearance in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes will kick off the campaign on the road against Indiana, where sportsbooks opened them as 21-point favorites with a total of 56.5.
- The total has gone UNDER in three of Ohio State’s last four games against Indiana.
- Indiana is 1-3 ATS in its last four games against its conference.
- The total has gone UNDER in six of Indiana’s last seven games as underdog.
One of the 15 games scheduled for an action-packed Thursday, the Hoosiers will have their hands full against the No. 2 team in the country. In fact, Indiana hasn’t beaten OSU since 1988. Ohio State is a ridiculous 18-0 SU against IU since then.
When we last saw Ohio State, they were busy getting blown out by eventual champion Clemson in the playoff. While stunning (and extremely disappointing for a top-tier program), that result shouldn’t worry bettors. This is a new year and the Buckeyes have been given a fresh slate. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose and all that.
Most of the stars from the 2016 Ohio State defense are gone, including the ball-hawking Malik Hooker, but the unit is still one of the best in the country. Call it the Urban Meyer effect.
While the Buckeyes have been hammering Indiana in recent years, it’s the Hoosiers who’ve been covering the spread. In Indiana’s last six against OSU, they’re 6-0 ATS.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans backing the Indiana Hoosiers here saw them at Sportsbook as 20-point underdogs in this college football clash. (Check back shortly for Sportsbook totals at sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark as none was available at the time this preview was written.)
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and analytics picked a 30-12 win for the Buckeyes. That value could change during the week, if injuries or other factors alter the numbers, so check the college football picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Indiana Hoosiers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to cover ATS vs their hosts on Thursday, as they were 6-7 ATS versus the spread last season, while the Indiana Hoosiers were 6-7 ATS. Ohio State was 6-6-1 against the OVER/UNDER total, while Indiana was 4-9 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Indiana vs Ohio State injuries news.
It's a betting matchup between the No. 74-rated Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, according to the NCAA College Football Power Rankings last year at OddsShark.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Indiana Hoosiers No. 88-ranked offense (25.77 PPG) last season against a Ohio State Buckeyes defense that ranked No. 3 at 15.46 PPG. The Indiana Hoosiers passing attack averaged 273.92 yards per game, more than the Ohio State Buckeyes gave up through the air (172.23 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the Ohio State Buckeyes owned the league's No. 5-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 97 yards per game when on the road. Indiana, on the other hand, rated No. 18 in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Ohio State didn't make much of a game of it last time out, losing to the Tigers as Clemson blasted them 31-0.
The Hoosiers suffered a loss against Utah in their last game, falling 26-24 at Levi's Stadium.
Next Betting Matchups
Ohio State home to Oklahoma, Saturday, September 9
Indiana at Virginia, Saturday, September 9
