Everyone concentrated on what the Ohio State Buckeyes lost to the NFL draft after last season. But they have shown there is plenty of talent that returned. Star quarterback J.T. Barrett has kickstarted an impressive two-game start, and the Buckeyes can really make a statement in Week 3.
They will head to Norman to face off with the Oklahoma Sooners in a showdown of top-15 programs. Oklahoma and Ohio State are two of the most decorated teams in the country and this will be one of the most-watched games of the weekend. The Sooners lost to ranked Houston in their opener and will try to avoid another defeat before conference play.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 3 game is set for Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
NCAA Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ohio State -3
Oklahoma +3
Over/Under 64.5
Odds Analysis
The Buckeyes have been bet on 60 percent of the time thus far and the line has crept up from 2.5 to three points, which is a huge swing if the game ends up at a margin of a field goal.
The scoring total is deemed too low by the betting public as all of the early action has come in for the “over” as gamblers seem to be expecting a shootout.
Player to Watch
The Buckeyes had talent everywhere on offense a season ago, but even with the loss of players like Ezekiel Elliott, Cardale Jones and Braxton Miller, the points are still being put up easily.
Barrett is the reason for that, as he has thrown for 498 yards with six touchdowns and just one interception on the season. He has looked good through the air but can also dice up teams with his legs, as he has rushed for 85 yards and three touchdowns.
The Sooners have been up and down defensively this year and could have their hands full handling Barrett.
Key Stat
296.5. That’s the average number of passing yards per game the Sooners have given up in their first two contests. Ohio State prefers to run the ball, but Barrett can beat you with his arm when needed.
Oklahoma will need to stack the box in order to slow down the Buckeyes’ running attack, which will put a lot of stress on the secondary in the passing game. That matchup could help tilt the outcome.
Free ATS Pick
Even though the Buckeyes have faced inferior opponents for each of their first two games, they have covered the spread both times. Ohio State has looked great but must be able to keep it up against a legitimate foe in Oklahoma.
WIth the new College Football Playoff system, a contender can sometimes weather an early loss and still make the national semifinals, so the Sooners aren’t out of it yet. However, a loss to Ohio State before conference play begins would make it tough sledding.
Baker Mayfield has been pretty good this year as he has thrown the ball all around the field, but hasn’t faced a defense with the amount of playmakers as the Buckeyes. Ohio State has given up an average of 6.5 points in its first two contests, and while the Sooners will score more than that, it will be a fun showdown.
The oddsmakers are still in wait-and-see mode with Ohio State as it is only a slight favorite. The home field advantage for Oklahoma plays a part in that, but don’t buy in. The Buckeyes are in a great groove and have the best player on the field in Barrett.
The Buckeyes will pull out a road win although watch the line closely, because if it moves either way leading up to that game, it could result in a payout. Ohio State could take this one by a field goal.
NCAA Football Odds: Ohio State 34, Oklahoma 31
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