Ohio State has a huge talent advantage and is a heavy favorite to take care of business. Indiana is a big underdog but will try to spring a second straight upset of a ranked team after knocking off Michigan State last week. However, the Hoosiers will be hard-pressed to win this one but could certainly cover the large spread.
This contest in Week 6 of the regular season will go down Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Indiana +29
Ohio State -29
Over/Under 61.5
Odds Analysis
With Ohio State’s 58-0 win over Rutgers last week fresh in the mind of bettors, the Buckeyes are taking 59 percent of the action even as a huge favorite. This could come down to garbage time and if Indiana can get a backdoor cover behind some Ohio State reserves.
The scoring total is only a few points higher than the Buckeyes’ scoring average this season, and the “over” is getting chosen 90 percent of the time.
Player to Watch
J.T. Barrett - Ohio State lost many key players last year, including star running back Ezekiel Elliott, receiver Braxton Miller, quarterback Cardale Jones and many others. However, the offense continues to run on all cylinders, and much of that is because of Barrett.
He lost his job for a stretch to Jones last year, but earned it back late and has been magnificent this season. Barrett has completed 70-of-102 passes for 888 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions.
He is also a factor with his legs, as Barrett has rushed for 30 or more yards in each game this season and has three rushing touchdowns. If Indiana plans on covering the spread in this one, it must be able to keep Barrett in check.
Matchup to Watch
Indiana passing offense vs. Ohio State secondary - Everyone expects the Buckeyes to pull away in this one. Whether it’s a quick start or a slow one, the talent is just too lopsided.
Once the Hoosiers get behind, they are going to have to throw a lot, and the success there will help determine which team covers. Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow has completed 79-of-127 passes for 1,278 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
Indiana has averaged 320.8 yards per game through the air this season on its way to nearly 30 points per game. However, duplicating those numbers will be very hard against an Ohio State pass defense which is allowing only 140.3 pass yards per contest.
Free ATS Pick
Ohio State has passed every test this season, as it is 5-0 including wins over ranked opponents Notre Dame and Oklahoma. There will be some tough matchups down the stretch as the Buckeyes aim to make the College Football Playoff, but this isn’t one of them.
The Buckeyes are one of the most impressive teams statistically in 2016 and should continue to pad those stats against an inferior opponent.
Indiana has lost games to Duke and Wake Forest this year, although the win 24-21 overtime win over the Spartans will give it some confidence. With that being said, a road game against a top-5 team is a recipe for failure.
The Buckeyes should cruise in this one, covering a spread that is one of the biggest of the weekend. Take the over as well, since Ohio State’s well-oiled machine won’t be slowing down any time soon.
College Football Odds: Ohio State 48, Indiana 17
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