Northwestern vs Ohio State: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction
Northwestern has been a great bet at home and they greet Ohio State with a money-making 14-3 ATS mark in their past 17 games. But these are the Buckeyes, winners of 17 straight, and the betting public continues to throw support behind Urban Meyer’s charges.
Point spread: Ohio State opened as 5.5-point favorites, bet up to -7; the total was 60.5 Thursday. (Line updates and Matchup report)
Computer Prediction: 39-26 Ohio State
Why Ohio State can cover the spread
Ohio State enters the game with the nation's longest winning streak at 17 games, and has won the last four meetings with Northwestern and 28 of the last 29 overall. Ohio State is averaging 501.2 yards of total offense per game while allowing just 304.0.
Why Northwestern can cover the spread
The undefeated Wildcats host the Buckeyes after having a bye last week. The 'Cats get it done with the 18th best offense in the nation, featuring a two-quarterback system with senior Kain Colter and junior Trevor Siemian. Well-rested and fresh legs under center could keep Northwestern in this game. They are also 8-2 ATS in 10 recent home games, according to the OddsShark.com college football database.
Smart Pick
It's hard to argue with Urban Meyer when his offenses are rolling. Ohio State leads the Big Ten and ranks sixth in the nation in scoring with 48.2 points per game, and it's getting things done by jumping all over opponents as Ohio State is outscoring teams 216-21 in the first quarter this season.
Trends:
Northwestern is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 games.
Ohio State won 17 in a row SU under Meyer.
Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow them on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.
