Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Odds, Football Pick

It doesn't come up often, but Ohio State is 3-1 both straight up and against the spread in games following losses under head coach Urban Meyer. Coming off a shocking upset loss at Penn State last week, the Buckeyes might have fire coming out of their ears when they host Northwestern on Saturday afternoon at the Horseshoe.

Point spread: The Buckeyes opened as 24-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 43.5-15.0 Buckeyes (college football picks on every game)

Why the Northwestern Wildcats can cover the spread

Since a 1-3 start that included a loss to Illinois State, the Wildcats are 3-0 both SU and ATS following last week's 24-14 victory/cover over Indiana. Northwestern took a 7-0 lead four minutes into the game, made it 14-0 three minutes later and never really let the Hoosiers back in the game, cashing in as three-point favorites.

The Wildcats racked up 408 yards on offense, as quarterback Clayton Thorson threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He now owns a 10-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the last three games.

Two weeks ago, Northwestern put up 54 points in a win at Michigan State, and prior to that, it put up 38 in a win at Iowa. In fact, the Wildcats are 7-1 both SU and ATS over their last eight road games.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes can cover the spread

Ohio State is probably steaming after blowing a game last week at Penn State. The Buckeyes led the Nittany Lions 21-7 heading into the fourth quarter but gave up the last 17 points of the game, the final seven on a "kick-six," a blocked OSU field-goal attempt that went the other way for a touchdown.

On the evening, the Buckeyes outgained Penn State 413-319 and won time of possession by a lopsided 37-23 split. But they also had a punt blocked, which set up a Lions field goal, and gave up six sacks, several in key spots.

Fortunately for Ohio State, it's possible last week's loss won't mean anything in the long run. If the Buckeyes win out from here, they'll still make the College Football Playoff.

Smart pick

The last time these teams met, three seasons ago, Northwestern nearly pulled off the upset, leading Ohio State well into the fourth quarter before giving up two late scores in a 40-30 Buckeyes victory. This time, though, OSU shouldn't need any late-game heroics; the only problem Buckeyes backers might encounter Saturday is garbage time.

Betting trends

Northwestern is 0-5 ATS in its last five games against Ohio State.

Ohio State is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games after losing as a favorite.

Ohio State is 19-1 SU in its last 20 games in October.

All college football betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.