Everyone is back on the Ohio State Buckeyes bandwagon. Just one week after Ohio State got pantsed by Iowa on national television, the Buckeyes took out all of their anger and frustration on Michigan State in a 48-3 blowout. Ohio State is still in control of its destiny and is the favorite to win the Big Ten at this point despite having two losses. No one is expecting the Illinois Fighting Illini to put up much of a fight against the Buckeyes this week.
This matchup in Week 12 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. This game will be broadcast on ABC.
College Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Illinois +39.5
Ohio State -39.5
Over/Under 56
Odds Analysis
Amazingly, this spread has gone up from where it opened at. Oddsmakers made Ohio State a 38.5-point favorite and that line has continued to rise and is up to 40.5 points at some books.
Illinois has been terrible in conference play this season. The Fighting Illini have only stayed within single digits of one Big Ten team and even lost by double digits to both Rutgers and Purdue. Illinois has covered three of its last four thanks to some inflated spreads and the under has been a fantastic bet thanks to an inept offense.
The Buckeyes have been at least a touchdown favorite in every game this season and are 5-5 ATS. Ohio State has traditionally come on like a freight train at the end of the year, but only beat Penn State by one and got housed by Iowa. Over has cashed in six of Ohio State’s last seven games thanks to an offense that has been phenomenal.
Matchup to Watch
Few teams have been worse on offense this season than Illinois. The Fighting Illini have yet to score more than 24 points in any game this year and now Lovie Smith is burning quarterbacks’ redshirts.
Illinois has not been able to do much through the air at all this year. The Fighting Illini have used four different quarterbacks and none of the four have thrown more touchdowns than interceptions. They have combined to complete just 51 percent of their passes this season and have thrown just eight touchdowns compared to 17 interceptions.
The lack of a passing attack has rendered the ground game completely ineffective. Illinois might not have a runner surpass 500 yards this season and the Illini are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry.
It’s hard to see how this unit will have much success against an Ohio State defense that is allowing just 4.4 yards per play.
Player to Watch
J.T. Barrett has been the driving force for Ohio State all season. When he has played well, this offense has been unstoppable. Barrett has thrown just two interceptions in Ohio State’s eight wins this season and has found the end zone 27 times through the air and seven times on the ground. However, in Ohio State’s two losses, he has been responsible for three touchdowns and five interceptions.
There’s no denying Barrett’s talent. He has been very consistent for four seasons now and although he has had a few letdown performances, he has been largely successful. Barrett should have a field day against this defense.
Free ATS Pick
This is all about the damage that Ohio State wants to inflict upon Illinois. The Buckeyes can name the score in this one. They are much better on both sides of the ball and have home field advantage to boot.
Assuming they win out, Ohio State has a decent chance of making the playoff. Unlike previous years, the Buckeyes don’t have to impress with style points and will be content with just getting the win with Michigan up next week. Illinois will cover the large number here.
College Football Odds: Ohio State 38, Illinois 10
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