Ohio State at Oklahoma Pick & Betting Odds

In arguably the biggest game of College Football Week 3, the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes of the Big Ten will be clashing against the 14th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners of the Big 12 this Saturday. From playoff implications to enormous fan expectations and mouthwatering matchups between some of the best players in the nation, this game has it all. So, without further ado, let’s get the ball rolling with the comprehensive NCAA Football odds preview below.

How to Bet on the Ohio State at Oklahoma Expert Pick, Betting Odds & TV Info

Where: Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma When: Saturday, September 17, 7:30 PM ET TV: FOX NCAA Football Lines: Ohio State (-2.5), OVER/UNDER 63

Why Bet on Ohio State?

Getting favored on the road against the 2015-16 CFP playoff semifinalists and the No. 3-ranked preseason team in the nation is a big testament of how the Buckeyes are highly regarded ahead of this monumental showdown. A key reason to Ohio State’s stellar reputation is the balance in their J.T Barrett-led attack, which can fluently run and pass the ball in equal measure and has scored 125 points through the first two weeks. This balance was typified when the Buckeyes amassed a remarkable 417 rushing yards and 359 passing yards in their season-opening win over Bowling Green. Defensively, the Buckeyes are no slouches either, having allowed just 13 total points through the first two weeks, averaging at 6.5 PPG allowed this season. And after the Cougars used a balanced offense and defense to upset the Sooners two weeks ago, there are certainly good reasons to believe that the Bucks could use a similar strategy to take down Oklahoma this weekend.

Why Bet on Oklahoma?

The Sooners bounced back from their devastating loss to Houston with a 59-17 rout of Louisiana-Monroe last Saturday. Oklahoma’s adrenaline-filled offense stayed true to its signature high-scoring nature from last season, as both the running game (Joe Mixon et al.) and passing game (Baker Mayfield and his receivers) shined in the victory. Not to be outdone, the defense also held its own quite well against Louisiana-Monroe. It is, however, one thing to manhandle Louisiana-Monroe and another to do the same against Ohio State. That notwithstanding, the Sooners are already battle-tested against Houston, something that should help them prepare for this game better than the Buckeyes, who have played two baby-bottom-soft opponents in Bowling Green and Tulsa. Add that to the fact that Oklahoma brings back more experienced players than Ohio State’s largely young roster, a home win by the Sooners could easily be in the sportsbooks this weekend.

My Expert Pick

Despite losing to Houston, Oklahoma is still a formidable squad and the Sooners will most likely come into this game more prepared than they were against the Cougars. But then again, the Buckeyes have been playing better football so far this season, albeit against weak opponents. More importantly, the Buckeyes are flawlessly 18-0 SU in their last 18 road games. We therefore have no option but to side with Ohio State as the smart pick. Predicted Final Score: Ohio State 38, Oklahoma State 35 Writer’s Pick: OVER 63.5