After Ohio went 2-2 in non-conference play, it was unclear just how well the Bobcats would compete against MAC foes in 2024.
But win after win, Ohio proved it was one of the best teams in the league. Then, after losing to Miami (Ohio) in the regular season by 10 points, Ohio turned around and defeated the RedHawks 38-3 in the conference championship. The Bobcats finished the year out with a 30-27 victory over Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl.
But now head coach Tim Albin is gone, and former offensive coordinator Brian Smith is in charge of the team. Despite some coaching and roster continuity, can Ohio start the season on a high note?
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Ohio vs. Rutgers Betting Odds
Rutgers is a -15.5 college football betting odds favorite against Ohio, with the Over/Under being 51.5.
The moneyline for Ohio is +550, while it’s -800 for Rutgers.
Ohio vs. Rutgers On TV
The matchup between Ohio and Rutgers will be televised on Big Ten Network.
The game will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 28. The contest is taking place at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Ohio vs. Rutgers Prediction
I predict Rutgers will win but Ohio will cover at +15.5. I also project the game will go Over 51.5 total points.
It’s tempting to pick Ohio to win in this one. But following the coaching change, we don’t know exactly what this team will look like and how much it will change.
But this offense should still be fantastic with Parker Navarro at quarterback. The All-MAC second-team quarterback and conference championship offensive player of the game threw for 2,423 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 66% of his passes last year. He also rushed for 1,054 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Sieh Bangura, a former All-MAC selection at Ohio, is back on the Bobcats after transferring to Minnesota last season. In 2023, he ran for 811 yards and seven touchdowns and recorded 1,078 yards and 13 TDs on the ground a year before. So the Bobcats should be well-rounded on offense.
It’ll be close, I expect, but I think Rutgers will find a way to win at home.
