NCAAF

Ohio vs Ohio State

Buckeyes aim to bury in-state rival before the first leaves fall.

Ohio

OHIO (0-0) VS OSU (0-0)

Sep 13 2025 | 6:00 PM ET | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

Ohio State
Moneyline Pick - Ohio State (-7000): C-

Ohio State opens the season at home with every major factor pointing its way. The Buckeyes return proven playmakers on offense and pair them with the kind of depth that routinely overwhelms mid-major competition. Their track record against MAC opponents is spotless, underscoring just how wide the gap in talent and execution usually is in these matchups. Ohio, meanwhile, breaks in an inexperienced quarterback against one of the nation’s most athletic defenses, a recipe that rarely yields consistent production. With no injuries or weather wrinkles to complicate matters, this pick leans firmly toward Ohio State controlling the game from start to finish.

From a betting perspective, the challenge isn’t identifying the winner but evaluating whether the line provides any true value. A near-certain outright result is baked into a steep price, leaving little upside in chasing it. Still, for those prioritizing safety over return, Ohio State’s dominant home record and roster advantages make the prediction as secure as any on the board. When talent disparity and environment both point one way, the safest bet is simply backing the Buckeyes outright.

This prediction gets a C- grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 13/09/2025 at 9:00am

Over/Under Pick - Under 50.5 (-110): B

Ohio State’s opener against Ohio lines up as one where the scoreboard should stay relatively muted. The Bobcats have historically struggled to generate offense against Power Five defenses, and facing a Buckeye unit that has tightened considerably under Jim Knowles makes sustained scoring drives unlikely. Offensively, Ohio State’s ground-heavy approach and the continued impact of the new clock rules are likely to shorten the game and reduce overall possessions. Add in efficient special-teams play that stretches fields, and the setup tilts toward a lower total, making the under the stronger pick here.

From a betting standpoint, this prediction is reinforced by trend and context. Ohio State’s home games as a heavy favorite have leaned under more often than not, reflecting how they tend to control games without chasing inflated scores. With Ohio unlikely to push the pace and the Buckeyes positioned to lean on depth rather than run up the tally, the matchup supports a conservative script. For bettors seeking stability, the under carries both logical and historical backing in this spot.

This prediction gets a B grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 13/09/2025 at 9:02am

Spread Pick - Ohio State, -28.5 (-110): B-

Ohio State enters this matchup with Ohio positioned to not just win but to cover a sizable spread. The Buckeyes’ offensive core blends experience and explosiveness, giving them the quick-strike potential to build a multi-score cushion early. On the other side, Ohio’s retooled offensive line faces one of the most disruptive pass-rush tandems in the country, creating turnover opportunities that can tilt field position. With special-teams consistency adding to their scoring reliability, this pick points toward Ohio State maintaining enough pressure throughout to extend the margin well beyond four touchdowns.

From a betting perspective, the trends and matchup context support confidence in laying the points. Ohio State has shown a track record of covering spreads in this range, and its defensive depth is well-suited to keep opponents capped at modest totals. Even if possessions shrink slightly under the new clock rules, efficiency on both sides of the ball makes the difference. For bettors weighing value against risk, backing the Buckeyes against the spread fits the profile of a prediction built on both precedent and roster dominance.

This prediction gets a B- grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 13/09/2025 at 9:04am

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