For the third consecutive week, the oddsmakers have fashioned Ohio State as an overwhelming favorite come Saturday.
According to consensus lines from the Action Network, Ohio State opened as a 28.5-point favorite, but the line has already shifted to 27.5 for its clash against Western Kentucky on Saturday. The Buckeyes have been double-digit favorites in each of their first three games this season.
| DATE | OPPONENT | LOCATION | SPREAD | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPT. 2, 2023 | INDIANA | BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA | -30.5 | OSU 23, IU 3 |
| SEPT. 9, 2023 | YOUNGSTOWN STATE | COLUMBUS, OHIO | -41.5 | OSU 35, YSU 7 |
| SEPT. 16, 2023 | WESTERN KENTUCKY | COLUMBUS, OHIO | -27.5 | |
| SEPT. 23, 2023 | NOTRE DAME | SOUTH BEND, INDIANA | -7.5 | |
| OCT. 21, 2023 | PENN STATE | COLUMBUS, OHIO | -10.5 | |
| NOV. 11, 2023 | MICHIGAN STATE | COLUMBUS, OHIO | -24.5 | |
| NOV. 25, 2023 | MICHIGAN | ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN | +1.5 |
Although the oddsmakers have set lofty expectations for the Buckeyes against the Hilltoppers, Ohio State has started the season 0-2 against the spread by falling short of the expected 30.5-point and 41.5-point margins set against Indiana and Youngstown State.
Ohio State’s matchup against Western Kentucky on Saturday will be the first meeting between the two programs, but the Hilltoppers have dropped all 10 of its matchups against Big Ten opponents throughout its history. However, Western Kentucky is off to a fast start to the 2023 campaign, winning its first two games by an average margin of 23.5 points behind the standout performances of quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley.
The Buckeyes and Hilltoppers will kick off from Ohio Stadium at 4 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised on FOX. Ohio State’s radio network 97.1 The Fan, will also have the call with its usual crew of Paul Keels, Jim Lachey and Matt Andrews.
