Ohio State Buckeyes at Indiana Hoosiers Betting Pick
It’s the Big Ten Opener for both teams on Saturday, as the Buckeyes of Ohio State will head west to take on the Hoosiers of Indiana. This game is slated to start at 2:30 p.m. CT from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. The last time these two teams played, it was not a contest.
The Buckeyes won the game at home 56-14. That was less than a year ago, November 12th, 2022. Ohio State is a huge favorite again in 2023. The Buckeyes are listed at -30, with a total of 59.5.
Ryan Day and his Ohio State Buckeyes, in his fourth season, lost by one point in the Peach Bowl to the eventual national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
The Buckeyes had a chance but missed a field goal late. It was one of their two losses, with the other coming in the season finale against Michigan. That game was not close, as the Wolverines won 45-23. Ohio State finished 11-2 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play.
For Indiana, they struggled mightily. The Hoosiers won just 4 of 12 games and went 2-7 in conference play. Indiana’s four wins came over Illinois, Idaho, Western Kentucky, and then, after seven straight losses, at Michigan State. The Hoosiers won their four games by an average of 9 points per game.
Buckeyes with Rare Road Start to Season
The Ohio State Buckeyes are starting the season on the road, which is rare. Ohio State, though, will enjoy back-to-back home games after this before their big matchup at Notre Dame later in the month. Ohio State also sees Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan during their 2023 schedule.
Last season, Ohio State was the second-highest-scoring team in the nation. Only Tennessee scored more points than they did. The Buckeyes were Top 15 in passing offense and Top 35 in rushing offense. Ohio State, though, will have new blood, as CJ Stroud is off to the National Football League.
In his place will be junior Kyle McCord, the backup a season ago. All his targets will be in place, though, as the Buckeyes return Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Miyan Willians. Harrison led the team with 14 touchdowns via the air, while Williams had 14 on the ground.
On the defensive side, the Buckeyes were also strong. Ohio State allowed teams to score just 19.3 points per game.
Indiana Looking to Shock the World
There will likely be 52,000 fans in attendance as the Hoosiers take on the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Tom Allen and his Hoosiers have one goal in mind, and that’s to shock the College Football world. A huge key to that will be the play of transfer Tayven Jackson, who will get the start behind center for the Hoosiers.
Last season, Indiana struggled at the quarterback position, throwing 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Cam Camper returns to the team as the top receiver for the Hoosiers.
Camper was 31 yards shy of 600 a season ago. In the running game, Indiana will turn to Josh Henderson and Laylin Lucas. Those two got a combined 139 carries a season ago and six touchdowns.
Indiana Competes; Ohio State Wins
This game is early in the season, obviously. Ohio State is going to be so good. Possible national champion good. But, with a new quarterback, it will take them some time to get going.
Look for Indiana to compete and cover in this game. Ohio State wins this game 42-20 over the Hoosiers on Saturday in the Big Ten opener for both. Betting Indiana +30 is the bet to make.
