Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds & Game Pick (2021)

Sep 8, 2021 - 12:42 PM

Ohio State has dominated the series between them and Oregon. Their record is 8-0. Traditionally Oregon has not scored many points against Ohio State. The most ever being 20 in 2015. Averaging only 10 points per game all-time, Oregon has struggled when it comes to Ohio State. Will Ohio State continue its dominance against Oregon? Will Oregon be able to score against Ohio State?

This year may be the exception to the rule after seeing the last game for both teams. Ohio State looked extremely weak on defense compared to years past. Especially the secondary. Oregon gave up more points than most thought against Fresno State as well.  With both teams vulnerable on defense, and Oregon’s best player Kayvon Thibodeaux questionable, bettors will have to look at what defense shows up in this matchup.

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

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	SPREAD	O/U	MONEY
ORE #11 OREGON 1-0	+14.5 -113	o 63.5 -113	+450
OSU #4 OHIO ST. 1-0	-14.5 -108	u 63.5 -107	-715

• Opening Lines: Ohio State -14, O 63.5
• Current Winning Streak: Ohio State (8)
• Last Meeting: January 12, 2015, Ohio State (42-20) 

Overview

Ohio State’s offense looked excellent against Minnesota. C.J. Stroud looks comfortable in Ryan Day’s system. Chris Olave looked like the best wide receiver in college football with four catches for 117 yards and 2 Touchdowns. The running backs looked great, totaling 201 rushing yards combined, averaging 7.7 yards a carry. The offensive line looks as advertised, giving plenty of time for C.J. Stroud to throw. This offense is one of the best. Look for Ohio State to score 35-50 points a game. 

Ohio State’s defense has work to do.  Giving up 31 points to a Minnesota team that tries to control the clock is not good. Tanner Morgan threw for 205 yards and a TD. Meanwhile, Mohamed Ibrahim ran for 163 yards and 2 TDs. Ohio State typically has an elite defensive end to pressure the quarterback. That looks to be missing this year. Their offense can score at will, and they will win games. The defense will have to get some momentum to be able to stop this Oregon offense.

Oregon is looking to dominate the running game this year. With running back C.J. Verdell leading the charge. On Saturday, Oregon ran the ball 49 times. Three different running backs had a touchdown. QB Anthony Brown looked solid in his performance as well. Putting the ball right on a target multiple times, we will see this Oregon offense open up the playbook against Ohio State. Expect Oregon to be able to score with their big-play potential. 

Kayvon Thibodeaux potentially not playing against Ohio State is a loss for Oregon. Expecting to be a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Thibodeaux is relentless during the pass rush. Showing some weaknesses against Fresno State, Oregon has concerns on the defensive side of the ball going into the Ohio State matchup against one of the best offenses in the game. Oregon showed they give up yards through the air. That is not good going up against C.J. Stroud and Chris Olave. 

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Bottom Line

This game is going to come down to defense. Neither team has proven themselves defensively. With both offenses looking to be explosive this year, there will be points scored in this game. Ohio State will be able to get Olave the ball and get some yards quick. Once Ohio State scores, Oregon will have to open up the playbook and start throwing the ball. Until these teams prove they can play defense, the over on total points is the play. 

Pick: Over 63.5 Points (-110)

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