Ohio State 2016 College Football Betting Predictions

Ohio State (12-1 SU, 6-7 ATS) may have lost a bunch of top-notch talent from a year ago, including two players that were both picked in the Top 5 in this year’s NFL Draft, but the 2014 national champion Buckeyes look like they’re going to make another strong run for an appearance in the four-team CFB Playoff after falling just short last season. Now, let’s find out what’s in store for Urban Meyer’s team as they get set for the quickly approaching 2016 regular season and the current NCAA Football odds.

Quick Look at the Ohio State 2016 College Football Betting Predictions

 

Offense

Ohio State lost star running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Braxton Miller tackle, Taylor Decker and defensive end Joey Bosa and have just three returning starters on offense, but the Buckeyes have a ton of talent, starting with dual-threat quarterback J.T. Barrett. Ohio State ranked 42nd in total offense in 2015 and 28th in scoring (35.6 ppg), but will need to improve a passing attack that ranked a modest 100th in the nation a year ago (188.7 ypg). The Buckeyes are also replacing three starters on the offensive line in 2016, so there could be growing pains early on with this unit. Redshirt freshman Mike Weber is set to replace the gifted Elliott, but he will have his work cut out in replacing the Buckeyes’ all-time leading rusher. Ohio State will also need to find a way to replace the program’s all-time yardage leader Miller, but with a wealth of blue-chip talent, I suspect it’s only a matter of time before Meyer figures it out.

Defense

The Buckeyes have a new co-coordinator o the defensive side of the ball in former Rutgers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano. While Ohio State also has just three returning starters in this side of the ball, the Buckeyes have a potential quartet of All-Americans in linebacker Raekwon McMillan, defensive ends Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard and cornerback Gareon Conley. McMillan recorded a team-high 119 tackles and he’ll lead the way as Ohio State tries to overcome the losses of Bosa and defensive tackle Adolphus Washington. Ohio State ranked ninth in total defense a year ago and a stellar second in points allowed (15.0 ppg).

By The Numbers

Ohio State went 5-2 ATS in its last seven games a year ago, but are also just 2-6 ATS in its last eight home games. The Buckeyes are also a near-perfect 24-1 SU in its last 25 games and 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home. The Under is 9-3 in Ohio State’s last 12 games ad 6-2 in their last eight home dates.

2016 Prediction

Whether you love home or loathe him, there’s no denying that Urban Meyer is a helluva’ head coach. Still, I just don’t see him being able to lead a team that will include a whopping 16 new starters this coming season, to the national championship (+800). I’m expecting the Buckeyes to reach the double-digit win mark this coming season, but beyond that, I wouldn’t expect much more than a New Year’s Day Bowl game at best. As far as covering the college football betting line is concerned, I also expect Ohio State to finish right around .500 as they often face daunting odds because on their name and talent level.