Indiana Hoosiers (0-0) vs Ohio State Buckeyes (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Memorial Stadium)
Betting Odds: Indiana Hoosiers +30 -- Over/Under: 60 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Ohio State Buckeyes will play the Indiana Hoosiers in a Big Ten Game on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. Ohio State comes into this season looking to return to the College Football Playoff, while Indiana is just hoping they can find their way to six wins and a bowl game.
Ohio State Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes were 11-2 last year, but they did go 8-1 in the Big Ten. Ohio State lost to Michigan by a score of 45-23 to end the regular season and then lost to Georgia by a score of 42-41 in the College Football Playoff Semifinals. The Buckeyes had a chance to beat Georgia, but their game winning field goal attempt was missed. Ohio State should be great once again this year and they will be trying to snap their two game losing streak to Michigan at the end of the season. Ohio State has an unknown at quarterback coming into this season, as Kyle McCord will take the reigns. One thing that is not unknown is the ability of Marvin Harrison Jr, who McCord will have the pleasure of throwing to throughout the year. Ohio State also returns Emeka Egbuka at wideout and both of their very good running backs. Miyan Williams rushed for 825 yards last year, while TreVeyon Henderson added 571 yards. Even with McCord’s lack of playing time, there is enough star power on the offensive side to put up big numbers against Indiana.
Indiana Preview
The Indiana Hoosiers were 4-8 last season and they went 2-7 in Big Ten play. Indiana got wins against Illinois, Idaho, and Western Kentucky, which had them with a 3-0 record to start the year. The Hoosiers went on to lose eight of their last nine games, with their only win coming against Michigan State. Indiana’s defense needs to be much improved, as they allowed 30+ points in nine of their last ten games. Offensively, Indiana only scored more than 17 points in two of their last seven games. Tayven Jackson looks to be the starting quarterback, but that decision has not been announced yet. The offensive line was a disaster last year, but they do return a good amount of starters, so hopefully the extra year of experience will help. There are not a ton of things to get excited about with this Indiana team, but they will have the home field advantage in this game.
Indiana Hoosiers Team Facts
- Indiana has lost each of its last nine games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Indiana has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Each of Indiana's last six games as an underdog against Ohio State have gone OVER the total points line.
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Facts
- Ohio State has won each of its last 24 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The underdog has covered the spread in five of Ohio State's last six games.
- Ohio State has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
- Ten of Ohio State's last 11 games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Indiana was one of only 20 FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing at HT last season.
- Indiana was one of only 26 FBS teams to win 2+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
- Ohio State ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.846).
- Ohio State ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q3 win percentage last season (.923).
Pick
Ohio State is a massive favorite in this game and they are the way better team, but I am interested to see how Kyle McCord does at quarterback. This is a great situation to start the season with, as OSU should move the ball with ease. Indiana lost 56-14 in Columbus last season, but I am going to take them with the points. I think Ohio State may run into some troubles with McCord getting into rhythm and 30 points is a ton. Indiana may not be able to do much, but I like to think they can get put together a couple of scoring drives. Take the Hoosiers to keep this one relatively close.
David’s Pick Indiana +30
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
