Well, here goes nothing…again.
Trying to shed a reputation as a competitor in a flimsy, defense-challenged conference, the Oklahoma Sooners will travel to Columbus this weekend in another attempt by the Big 12’s strongest program to take down a big shot from another P5 league.
Sooner fans know it won’t be easy. Ohio State flashed championship form in the 2nd half of a season-opener against Indiana. But the Okies shined in their 2017 debut, Baker Mayfield completing 19-of-gulp!-20 passes in a 56-7 annihilation of UTEP.
Who: #5 Oklahoma Sooners at #2 Ohio State Buckeyes
When: Saturday, September 9th, 7:30 PM
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Lines: Oklahoma (+7.5) at Ohio State (-7.5) / O/U Total: (64)
It’s hard to say which of 2 factors has most influenced Ohio State being favored by more than a touchdown. OSU looked shaky on defense in the 1st half against Indiana QB Richard Lagow, but beating a legit Big Ten opponent like the Hoosiers carries a lot of credit. Ohio State is considered to play in a stronger league, period.
But we also can’t over-hype the Sooners after only one game vs. an over-matched opponent in UTEP, and odds-makers know that. Certainly, it’s good to see Baker Mayfield on the field playing well despite the choppy waters of his situation. Mayfield was nearly perfect against the Miners, but no dominant RB has stepped up to claim Joe Mixon’s mantle. Abdul Adams averaged over 7 YPC, and Marcelius Sutton is another back to keep an eye on.
As usual, the fate of the Buckeyes will rest on J.T. Barrett’s ability to operate Urban Meyer’s complex playbook and find passing and running lanes. Oklahoma isn’t that much better at LB than Indiana, but the Sooners have a great young defensive backfield that is salivating over the chance to read Barrett on 3rd and long.
To avoid that, Meyer will make full use of his starting O-backfield in a ball-control attack. OSU’s backup running backs are as good or better than their counterparts on Saturday – for instance, Mike Weber is dealing with a hamstring issue, but the Buckeyes brought in freshman J.K. Dobbins against Indiana to rush for a cool 180+ yards.
The home team has the horses to pound the ball, keep TOP limited for Mayfield, and prevail with good defense in the 3rd and 4th quarters once Meyer’s staff makes its adjustments.
That makes OSU the pick ATS, and also opens up a value bet on the under.