The Ohio State Buckeyes begin their 2010 season in two weeks as they host Marshall in an NCAA online betting contest that will be televised on the Big 10 Network. The Buckeyes are 28.5 point favorites at SBG and they are going to get most of the money in this college football betting matchup. NCAA online betting numbers have already moved on this game. The Buckeyes started as a 25 point favorite but money has poured in on Ohio State and they are now laying more than four touchdowns. Did you expect anything less?
National Title Contenders: The Buckeyes are national title contenders and they are going to be heavily bet this season. They have a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Terrell Pryor and they are playing Marshall. Come on. Not many people are going to take Marshall no matter how many points they get.
Terrelle Pryor: Ohio State is all about Pryor. If they are to win a national title then Pryor probably has to win the Heisman. He has a good target in DeVier Posey who is ready for a breakout season. Pryor can also throw to Dane Sanzenbacher who is one of the best players in the conference. Ohio State’s defense is loaded with talent and Marshall may have a hard time reaching the end zone.
Letdown Spot: Now that we have raved about the Buckeyes let’s face reality. It is hard to ever say that an opening game is a letdown spot but that is exactly what Ohio State faces against Marshall. The Buckeyes host Miami of Florida nine days after they play Marshall. Who is not going to be looking ahead to the Hurricanes? Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has already warned his players about looking ahead, but since when do players really do what they are told?
Thundering Herd: Marshall was not a bad team last year and actually won a bowl game as they beat Ohio 21-17. They do have a new head coach this season in John “Doc” Holliday but he has a lot of coaching experience. Brian Anderson looks to be the starting quarterback after throwing for 14 TDs last season. Marshall does have Antavious Wilson returning at receiver and they have Martin Ward who was the MVP of their bowl win last year. The Marshall defense is decent, especially up front with Michael Janac and Vinny Curry.