College Football Futures: The Ohio State Buckeyes were the presumptive favorite to make the BCS national championship game last year before all of their flaws were exposed in a dominating loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game. A defense that has allowed 21 or more points per game the past three seasons must tighten for a title run in 2014. Ohio State opened at 10/1 to win the BCS National championship with an over under win total of 10.5 at -150 and was an even money 1/1 pick to win the Big Ten Conference championship. The Bucks were a prohibitive 2/5 choice to win the Big Ten East Division.
Miller Time for Heisman?
QB Braxton Miller is focal point of OSU and why they are considered a title contender. Last year Miller ran for 1283 yards, 12 TD’s and 6.2 yards per carry while completing 64 percent of his passes for 2094 yards with a 24/7 TD/INT ratio. Chris Ash arrives to join Luke Fickell as co-defensive coordinator as Fickell has proven unable to tighten up the unit on his own. Head coach Urban Meyer has recruited exceptionally well so there will be talent available.
Handicapper’s Notes
Ohio State has been a reliable home play since with a mark of 42-27 against the spread at “The Shoe.” OSU has made big “buck$” as well on the road with a mark of 21-11ATS since 2005. Ohio State has been a reliable commodity on the board in Big Ten games with a mark of 47-25 ATS since 2005 and has gone 28-19 ATS in non-conference games since 2004.
Our Prognosis
Ohio State’s season will likely come down to November 8 at Michigan State as they seek revenge against the team that is now their top competitor in the Big Ten East.
