Written by :
Don Shapiro
Published on :
The Oregon Ducks as a +14.5 underdog on the road versus Ohio State with spread action relatively balanced early on. The Buckeyes were a similar favorite last week, a game against Minnesota in which they pushed. The payout on an Oregon outright win would be extremely lucrative for the betting public and a killer for the books: $450 for every $100 bet. Some books offered payouts as high as $500.
What We Are Observing Ahead of This Matchup
- Early indications are that upwards of 60% of action was on Ohio State as the -14 point favorite.
- Gary Segars of BetUS says he does not trust Oregon's secondary.
- "I really don't trust their linebackers to cover in the middle of the field," he added.
- From Winners and Whiners: "The combination of lackluster offense in the opener against Fresno State plus key injuries on the defensive side is worrying for the Ducks, and the Ohio State offense will eventually overwhelm Oregon and pull away."
- Ohio State scored five different touchdowns on plays of at least 38 yards in Week 1.
- Oregon is 1-5 ATS as a road underdog over the past five seasons.
- Oregon is 18-9 ATS against AP top-five opponents since the 1978 FBS/FCS split (4th best over this span).
- Oregon has covered four of its past five games against ranked opponents though never were they greater than a +6.5 dog.
- Ohio State is 9-0 all time against Oregon but betting on the Buckeyes on the moneyline will prove costly: You would need to bet $700 to win $100 (the $700 of course is refunded just as long as Ohio State comes through and you profit $100).
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
