Ohio State has one more tune-up before its showdown in South Bend.
It just so happens to be that Western Kentucky – the Buckeyes' second-toughest non-conference opponent – is the team that stands in the way between now and that game at Notre Dame. With one of the best passing offenses in the country last season, the Hilltoppers will give Ohio State and its fans an opportunity to not only see the potential of OSU's defensive secondary against a legitimate passing offense, but the Buckeyes' offense should have more opportunities to score, too.
It's supposed to be a beautiful day for football in Columbus and Ohio State appears to be ready to go.
Running into Gameday with JUICE pic.twitter.com/g4O8ejrYUf
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 16, 2023
Just over six hours away from kickoff, the ultimate opinion-shapers on Ohio State football at Eleven Warriors proudly offer their scoring predictions as well as a glimpse at the sports betting market for the third game on the Buckeyes' schedule.
Eleven Warriors Staff Predictions
Dan Hope: Ohio State 45, Western Kentucky 21. "I expect Ohio State’s offense to get into a better rhythm now that Kyle McCord can settle in as the starter, and the Buckeyes should have more possessions to score more points against an opponent who will pass the ball much more than Indiana and Youngstown State did. I’m hesitant to predict more than 45 points for the Buckeyes, though, after overshooting on my first two score predictions of the year. I also believe Western Kentucky’s passing attack will present a far tougher test to Ohio State’s defense than either of the first two opponents did, making the 28-point spread a challenging cover for the Buckeyes."
Ramzy Nasrallah: Ohio State 49, Western Kentucky 17. "A little less clunky for the offense and a little more stressed for the defense."
Garrick Hodge: Ohio State 38, Western Kentucky 17. "Western Kentucky has enough offensive firepower to make this contest a little more respectable than it should, but Ohio State is the more talented team in all facets and should win this game by double digits rather easily."
Kyle Jones: Ohio State 49, Western Kentucky 21. "McCord and the offense find their stride while the defense returns to its 2022 form against an explosive WKU squad."
Johnny Ginter: Ohio State 42, Western Kentucky 21. "Ohio State's offense is starting to solidify, and they should look much more cohesive with a definite starter at quarterback and playing against a bad defense. WKU will test the secondary, however."
Andy Anders: Ohio State 49, Western Kentucky 14. "While there's definitely a scenario where Western Kentucky's air raid makes this a close game, I think Ohio State takes another step forward on both sides of the football. The defense shows it's up to the task while still allowing a prolific offense to score a couple times, and Kyle McCord finds a better rhythm passing."
Matt Gutridge: Ohio State 35, Western Kentucky 13. “A Conference USA team has never defeated Ohio State. Western Kentucky will not be the first.”
George Eisner: Ohio State 48, Western Kentucky 14. "I have joked profusely since the offseason that WKU will serve as Ohio State's most difficult home game in 2023 if the team still chooses to platoon quarterbacks. We'll see how Kyle McCord performs in his first full start of the campaign, but even if the Grip N Sips threaten a shootout with some early scores, expect the Buckeyes to find their stride heading into South Bend."
Josh Poloha: Ohio State 45, Western Kentucky 17. "It's going to be refreshing for the Buckeyes to face an opponent that actually runs a regular offense and doesn't just bleed the clock for the first time this season. Not only will OSU have more opportunities offensively, but its defense will be tested much more than it has through the first two games of the season considering Western Kentucky has one of the best passing attacks in the country. While the Buckeyes should still win convincingly, an opportunity to gain more chemistry offensively while continuing to dominate defensively with the matchup against Notre Dame in South Bend looming next weekend is important."
Chris Lauderback: Ohio State 42, Western Kentucky 20. "I expect McCord and the passing game to click in a way that breeds confidence. I also expect the defense to give up a season-high in points now that they'll be facing a team actually trying to win / score points."
Jack Emerson: Ohio State 38, Western Kentucky 17. "The Buckeyes’ secondary will get its first true test against WKU’s potent passing attack, but will largely pass with flying colors. Ohio State’s offense also takes another step forward with more consistency from McCord at QB."
Check out this week's Eleven Warriors Roundtable for score predictions and more analysis from Chase Brown, Garrick Hodge and Jason Priestas.
Will Ohio State Cover?
The Buckeyes opened as 28.5-point favorites over Western Kentucky, a line that quickly moved to 27.5 and that has since moved up to 30, according to consensus lines from the Action Network. It marks the third straight game Ohio State has been favored by at least four touchdowns.
While both teams are 2-0, OSU is 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. The Hilltoppers, meanwhile, are 1-1 against the spread while beating USF and Houston Christian. WKU has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games in September.
Only four members of the Eleven Warriors staff – Jason Priestas, Ramzy Nasrallah, Andy Anders and George Eisner – believe the Buckeyes will cover the spread this afternoon.
What About the Over?
The over/under has dropped a little since it opened at 65.5 and that's where it remains this morning after it went down to 64 earlier this week.
The Buckeyes and their opponents have totaled 68 points through the first two games of the season, falling well short of the total in both games. While both of Ohio State's games have hit the under (by a wide margin), Western Kentucky is 1-1 in terms of the over/under, as its first game of the season was under 71 and the Hilltoppers' second game was over the 64.5 betting line.
Six of Ohio State's last seven games in Ohio Stadium have gone over the total points line, with last Saturday being the lone under.
Only three members of the Eleven Warriors staff – Ramzy Nasrallah, Dan Hope and Kyle Jones – believe the total will hit the over.
Interested in more betting analysis from Eleven Warriors? Check out Easy Bucks for more detailed breakdowns on this weekend's lines and more.
Eleven Warriors House Prop Bets
Looking for more statistics to speculate on? Take a gander at our in-house prop betting lines for this matchup to get a greater sense of what oddsmakers are expecting from individual performances. Leave your predictions for us in the comments and compete for some bragging rights!
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How many Ohio State players will score a touchdown?
- Over 4.5 (-125)
- Under 4.5 (+110)
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How many touchdowns will Kyle McCord throw?
- Over 3.5 (-175)
- Under 3.5 (+150)
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How many receiving yards will Marvin Harrison Jr. have?
- Over 104.5(-125)
- Under 104.5 (+110)
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How many rushing yards will TreVeyon Henderson have?
- Over 74.5 (-105)
- Under 74.5 (+100)
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How many sacks will the Buckeyes' defense finish with?
- Over 3.5 (-110)
- Under 3.5 (-110)
Still need time to kill before kickoff? Gear up for the new season with a quick shopping spree around the Eleven Warriors Dry Goods store!
