Ohio State Football: Buckeyes open as big favorite over Badgers

Ohio State opened the week as 13.5 point favorites over Wisconsin. That is a pretty significant spread over a team ranked in the top 15. It goes to show just how dominate the Buckeyes have been so far this season.

I have to think this margin, as reported by 247Sports, would have been smaller had Wisconsin won against Illinois (still upset about that meltdown). But as it stands, Vegas sees Ohio State as almost a two touchdown favorite. The Badgers have the top defense in the NCAA, and even after losing are allowing just 7.6 points per game.

The spread almost doubles the amount of points they are giving up on the season which shows how dominate the country sees Fields, Dobbins and Co. So far this season. Ohio State has beat the spread six straight games after not doing so in the season opener against Florida Atlantic.

I think this game will be a tight contest. Maybe I am still just in constant fear of a meltdown like there has been the last two seasons, but I don’t think Wisconsin is going to go away in this game.

The Badgers will be mad at losing a game they should not have. seeing their chances for a playoff spot all but vanish with the loss. Now they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder with nothing to lose.

With that being said, Wisconsin had some glaring holes shown during the loss. Ohio State has the #2 defense in the country and I think the Silver Bullets will bottle Jonathan Taylor up as much as they can and make quarterback Jack Coan beat them through the air.

This is something he has yet to show he can do.

Also, Wisconsin gave up 24 points to Illinois Saturday. I think it is only a matter of time before the high-powered Ohio State offense gets on a roll.

My prediction for this game is a tough defensive affair but the Buckeye offense is just too much over the course of 60 minutes. Ohio State 37 – Wisconsin 17. Do you think the Buckeyes cover the spread this Saturday in Columbus?