Now that the warmup game against Marshall is out of the way on the college football betting line we can really see if second-ranked Ohio State is a national title contender as they take on #12 Miami of Florida. The Buckeyes are favored by more than a touchdown in college football betting lines in what should be an exciting game on ESPN. Ohio State rolled over Marshall last week while Miami of Florida dominated Florida A&M. Neither result means anything. This is the week that decides if Ohio State can win a national title and whether Miami of Florida belongs in the Top 20.
First Meeting Since 2003 – The last time Miami and Ohio State played it was a classic game in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl as the Buckeyes upset the heavily favored Hurricanes. Miami is trying to turn the tables on the Buckeyes this time as the Hurricanes are the underdogs. Ohio State is a 9.5 point favorite at SBG. None of the current Miami players were part of that game but they get reminded all the time by the alumni so revenge could be a small factor in this game.
Terrelle Pryor and Jacory Harris – Is there going to be a better quarterback matchup all year than this one in Columbus on Saturday? You have Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor who is the Heisman Trophy favorite going up against Miami’s Jacory Harris. Pryor threw three TDs last week in a 45-7 rout of Marshall while Harris had three TDs in the win over Florida A&M. Harris can get into the Heisman race if he plays well and Miami wins.
Stats & Trends Favor Ohio State – Most of the trends favor the Buckeyes in this game. Ohio State is 5-0 against the college football lines in their last 5 non-conference games. The Buckeyes are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games. The Buckeyes are 40-18 ATS in their last 58 games overall.
Action on the Total – With this game being on ESPN and a Top 20 matchup it will get some action on the college football betting line side and total. Miami has been a team that goes under a lot in non-conference games. The under is 37-15 in the Hurricanes last 52 non-conference games. The same trend applies to Ohio State as the under is 8-2 in the Buckeyes last 10 non-conference games.