Ohio is coming off a MAC Championship last year. And even though former head coach Tim Albin is now at Charlotte, the Bobcats showed they may not be going anywhere after last week.
The Bobcats nearly defeated Rutgers, which found a way to win 34-31. Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro continued to be electric after a great 2024 season, passing for 239 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions on 21-of-31 passing. He also rushed for 93 yards and another score.
Things won’t get much easier, though, as Ohio will take on another Power Four opponent.
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West Virginia vs. Ohio Betting Odds
Ohio is a +3.5 college football betting odds underdog against West Virginia, with the Over/Under being 60.5.
The moneyline for West Virginia is -170, while it’s +140 for Ohio.
West Virginia vs. Ohio On TV
The matchup between West Virginia and Ohio will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 6. The contest is taking place at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.
West Virginia vs. Ohio Prediction
I predict Ohio will win and cover the 3.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 60.5 total points.
As proven last week, I think this Ohio team has what it takes to pull off a P4 upset. And this time, the Bobcats are at home.
I think Navarro’s dual-threat ability will be difficult for West Virginia to prepare for. Last year, he threw for 2,423 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 66% of his passes and rushing for 1,054 yards and 18 touchdowns.
I also think having Sieh Bangura back will help Ohio control this game. He rushed for 86 yards against Rutgers a week ago in his first game since transferring back to Ohio from Minnesota. He rushed for 1,078 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022 and 811 yards and seven scores in 2023.
The question will be whether Ohio’s defense will make enough plays to keep this one close. The Bobcats gave up 399 total yards last week. However, Rutgers went just 1 of 10 on third downs, and I think performance on third downs could end up being pivotal in what could be a close matchup like this.
But I believe the Bobcats will put up some points to keep pace with West Virginia and that Navarro will make the plays he needs to for Ohio to win.
