Ohio vs. Ohio State Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch

Ohio’s non-conference schedule is brutal for a Group of Five program. But the Bobcats could easily be 2-0 right now.

Ohio started off the year by being competitive on the road at Rutgers, which ended up defeating the Bobcats 34-31. Then Ohio hosted West Virginia, and in a tough battle, the Bobcats ended up pulling off the Power Four upset with a 17-10 victory.

Ohio is now No. 8 in the HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 media poll. But the Bobcats’ game this week might just be their most challenging test in years. They take on Ohio State, the No. 1-ranked team in the country.

Ohio vs. Ohio State Betting Odds

Ohio State is a -28.5 college football betting odds favorite against Ohio, with the Over/Under being 50.5.

Ohio vs. Ohio State On TV

The matchup between Ohio and Ohio State will be televised on Peacock.

The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 13. The contest is taking place at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio vs. Ohio State Prediction

I predict Ohio State will win but Ohio will cover the 28.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 50.5 total points.

I expect this contest between in-state opponents will be a lot more interesting than some people are anticipating. It’s a matchup between a program in the MAC with a first-year head coach and the No. 1-ranked team in the country.

But I think the Bobcats have the makings of a squad that’s going to give Ohio State fans some worries.

First, they’ve already been competitive against two Power Four opponents. They lost to Rutgers by three points, 34-31, and then defeated West Virginia 17-10 at home.

Ohio’s defense has looked pretty solid, particularly last week. Ohio gave up just 10 points against WVU.

But I also think Ohio has the offense to keep up with the Buckeyes, at least in the first half. Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro is a star in the Group of Five. He’s thrown for 486 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 69% completion rate while leading the team with 180 yards and one touchdown rushing. Ohio’s rushing attack, which can also lean on Sieh Bangura who has 152 yards and one score through two games, could affect time of possession and keep Ohio State’s offense off the field more than expected.

I believe Ohio State will win this game, but I don’t think it’ll be by more than four touchdowns.