Ohio State Buckeyes vs Northwestern Wildcats Betting Lines

The first rankings of the season have been released by the College Football Playoff Committee, and you have to say that there are some surprises in there. I think most of us expected the undefeated National Champions to be #1, but the Georgia Bulldogs were forced to settle for the #3 seed. Also, you have an unbeaten TCU team sitting below a 1-loss Alabama team, something that a lot of fans saw as a bit of a head scratcher. This, though, is just the first rankings and we have some huge matchups coming in the next few weeks that will sort things out before we get to the playoffs. The Ohio State Buckeyes, who are #2 in the rankings, have what looks to be a manageable game on the road at Northwestern this weekend, but they will need to maintain their focus. Ohio State is a massive 38-point favorite for this one, with the point total set at 56.

When: Saturday, Nov 5 at 12 PM EST
Where: Ryan Field, Evanston
TV: ABC

Why bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes

Throughout the course of the season, you expect the eventual top 4 teams to have a scare or two along the way. Given that the Buckeyes have outscored their opposition 391-135 this season, it’s safe to say that their scares have yet to come. Realistically, this is a team that should easily be 11-0 by the time they get to the final game of the regular season against the Michigan Wolverines, a matchup that could prove to be a playoff elimination game. They have to keep their eye on the prize, though, and not let up against a team they should be beating comfortably. The Buckeyes are 9-1 SU in their last 10 meetings with Northwestern, outscoring them by an average of 26 points in those 10 games. They have also covered in 7 of their last 9 versus the Wildcats. Each of the last 5 road games versus Northwestern have gone OVER the point total.

Why bet on the Northwestern Wildcats

The Wildcats suffered a disappointing 3-9 season in 2021, but it looks as though they might be about to have an even poorer showing this time around. They started the year with a win, but have not delivered another victory since Week 1, coming into this matchup on a 7-game losing skid. The Wildcats have managed just 143 points in their 8 games this season, so trying to keep pace with the high-flying Ohio State offense is going to be way too much to ask of this group. They now have just 1 win in their last 11 conference games and are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The OVER has hit in 6 of their last 8 meetings with Ohio State.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This should be a comfortable win for the Buckeyes, but the size of that spread makes me nervous, especially if Ohio State gets up big and decides to pull some starters and take the foot off the gas. The OVER would seem to be the best bet for this one.

Ohio State Buckeyes 49 Northwestern Wildcats 10

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