The Buckeyes have a lot of talent to replace but recruit so well that it shouldn’t be a problem. They have one of the best quarterbacks in the country leading the way and are going to be explosive again offensively. Indiana finished under .500 last season and is one of the lower-tier teams in the Big Ten.
The Hoosiers are aiming to make a bowl game this season but it’s almost certain they begin the season with a loss in 2017.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 1 game is set for Thursday, August 31, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium.
NFL Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ohio State -20.5
Indiana +20.5
Over/Under 56
Odds Analysis
The Buckeyes are on the road but despite that they come in as big-time favorites. Any early slip-ups could make it hard for them to cover since the spread is approaching three touchdowns, but there is also enough talent on display to do it. More than 60 percent of the early action has chosen the Buckeyes to cover.
The scoring total is pretty low for a college football game and the “over” is the more popular pick. Ohio State is -1800 on the moneyline, which is a tough wager unless there is profound belief that there’s no way the Buckeyes lose this one. Indiana is exceedingly unlikely to pull off the upset but would pay off handsomely at +980.
Player to Watch
J.T. Barrett -- It seems like the Ohio State star has been on campus forever, and finally this will be his last season with the Buckeyes. Barrett is one of the most dangerous players in college football. He has been a starter for the past couple of years and threw for 2,555 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2016.
Barrett had 205 rushing attempts for 845 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago and is a tough player to stop both through the air and on the ground.
Barrett played really poorly last year against Indiana, completing just 9-of-21 passes for 93 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He had 137 rushing yards on 26 carries but overall it was a poor effort. Ohio State still won but Barrett is aiming to have a much better showing in this one.
Last Meeting
These teams faced off last October and Ohio State pulled away for the 38-17 victory. The Buckeyes only led 24-17 early in the third quarter but eventually grabbed total control. Mike Weber scored on a 1-yard run with 3:38 left in the third quarter, and then Dontre Wilson put it away by hauling in a 37-yard touchdown from Barrett.
The Ohio State defense dominated in this one, allowing Indiana to only gain 281 yards and accumulate 14 first down. The Buckeyes forced two turnovers and were able to pick up the slack as the offense struggled.
Free ATS Pick
Ohio State lost a lot of talent from its defense, which could be an issue in this one as the new players try to figure out their roles. Indiana is at home in this one and will aim for a fast start to give the Buckeyes a scare.
By the time the game is over, Ohio State should be in control, but the spread is too high in this one. While Barrett should play much better this time around, the Hoosiers will be able to score enough to give them a little scare and keep the game a few possessions.
College Football Odds: Ohio State 34, Indiana 21
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