Of all of the 4-0 teams in America, there isn't one getting less respect than the Indiana Hoosiers. That could change in Week 5 if they can pull off the massive upset of the top team in the land, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
ODDS ANALYSIS
We grant you, wins over Southern Illinois, Florida International, Western Kentucky and Wake Forest aren't worth much, but when you're Indiana, wins are wins. Just the fact that the Hoosiers have a bit of national relevance right now is great for them after years of being the doormats of the Big Ten.
However, this betting line still suggests that they are indeed still just doormats. Ohio State opened up at -19.5 for this weekend along with a middling total of 61. Each betting line has jumped with tOSU now listed as 21-point road chalk and the total residing at 64.
KEY MISMATCH
The Indiana offense has been rolling all season long. Nate Sudfeld has been throwing the ball all over the place because he has been so well protected, while Jordan Howard has 507 rushing yards in four games and is averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
However, the fun and games for this IU offensive line are over with. The Buckeyes haven't been blowing teams out this year, but they have still been dominant at the line of scrimmage. Not only are they allowing just 3.0 yards per carry - No. 22 in the nation - but they are one of just four teams in America to not allow a 20-yard rush this season.
KEY STAT
8.0 – The number of penalties per game the Buckeyes have averaged this season. Granted, they're aggressive, and with aggression comes more penalties, but Urban Meyer knows that these penalties, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, is why teams have stuck close to OSU much of this season.
BETTING ANGLE
Indiana has covered four straight games in this series somewhat quietly. Of course, this is the smallest spread in a game for IU against the Buckeyes since 2009, but the Hoosiers have still managed to do the job for bettors.
The last time the Buckeyes came here to Bloomington, they ended up winning in a 52-49 escape. Sudfeld was just a freshman in that game, and he came off the bench and nearly led a comeback from a three-score deficit.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Hoosiers might have a good history against Ohio State, but we think this is the game where the Buckeyes finally kick it into gear. They haven't looked great for the most part, and that parlayed with that 4-0 start for the Hoosiers is why this spread is under three touchdowns.
That said, it isn't justified. Sudfeld might be leading a senior-laden team, but that senior-laden team hasn't had anything going for it in Big Ten play for the most part.
Cardale Jones was much better against Western Michigan after being named the starting quarterback for this team once and for all, and we think that he is going to benefit again in this game even though he actually has only played in one true road game throughout his collegiate career.
Expect to see Ezekiel Elliott run wild in this game against an Indiana defense which couldn't stop Southern Illinois or Western Kentucky, and when this happens, this game will get ugly in a hurry.
Ohio State 41, Indiana 17
BookMaker opened the NCAA spread for this Saturday game before anyone else on the internet. The Ohio State Buckeyes opened at -19.5 alongside a total of 61. In-game spreads, totals, moneylines and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! The battle between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Indiana Hoosiers will kick off Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium. The contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
