Ohio State had a restful week off, which it desperately needed. However, the Buckeyes still had many things they needed to accomplish over the course of a week full of practice. The top issue was getting Luke Fahey ready to make the first start of his very young Ohio State football career.
The true freshman is likely going to be the one to replace Julian Sayin for the remainder of the year. His first test is a road night game against USC. The Trojans are coming off a loss against Wisconsin, which pushed them out of the top 25. We have you covered on how to watch this game.
How to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. USC
The easiest way to watch this game is to tune into NBC at 7:30 pm ET. It is the first time this season that the Buckeyes have been featured on NBC. It will also be available on Peacock, NBCsports.com, and the game can also be streamed live on Fubo TV.
Ohio State has been shown on NBC the most when they have had to play West Coast teams. This is the first time that the Buckeyes have played at USC since 2008. They got demolished in that game, losing 35-3. In fact, Ohio State has only played the Trojans five times, only emerging victors once.
That victory came in the 2017 Cotton Bowl when the Buckeyes trounced USC 24-7. It was a game that showcased great defense and just enough offense to win. A similar game plan will need to be used in this matchup on Saturday night with Fahey behind center.
Ohio State football vs. USC odds
Despite the Trojans losing to the Badgers and Ohio State coming off a win over IU, the Buckeyes are just 7-point favorites, according to DraftKings. It's pretty clear that the low spread is due to Sayin being on the shelf. NO matter who Ohio State ultimately starts, it will be his first career start.
The over/under for the game sits at 50.5. In the game against the Hoosiers, the total reached just 34 points. Fahey did not manage to lead Ohio State on a scoring drive.
Early prediction for Ohio State vs. USC
Had the Trojans not gotten blasted by the Badgers, I would be more worried about this game. Playing on the road at night is not a good place for anyone to make their first career start at quarterback. However, USC does not have much of a home-field advantage.
Not only that, but the Buckeyes will have two full weeks to get either Fahey or St. Clair ready. Defensively, Ohio State has started to play like a lockdown unit. USC has an awful defense and one of the worst tackling units in the country. This is setting up for a victory for the Bucks.
Give me the Buckeyes 21-10 in a low-scoring affair. Jeremiah Smith will be able to put up at least one touchdown, and the defense will lock the Trojans down.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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