NCAAF Picks: The Ohio State Buckeyes entered training camp last month touted as one of the top favorites to win the Big Ten Conference and have the inside track to making the NCAA four team playoff that leads into a semifinal game for a shot at the national championship. But when starting QB Braxton Miller was lost for the season due to injury the dynamics of the Bucks board value came into serious question as evidenced by their struggles last week in a scary opening day win at Navy. The Virginia Tech Hokies will get a real test this week as to how much their offense has actually improved after faltering the past two seasons.
The Ohio State Buckeyes (-11) will host the Virginia Tech Hokies at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night with coverage on ESPN starting at 8 PM ET.
Hokies Topple Tribe
The Virginia Tech Hokies dominated 1-AA William and Mary 34-9 as they out gained the Tribe 488-193. Signal-caller Michael Brewer had an impressive debut passing for 23/30 with 251 yards and one TD. The Hokies offense has been abysmal the past two years, and while this was a promising start it reveals little in the way of actual ability due to the level of competition.
Close Call at Navy
Ohio State actually did get the money in a 34-17 win at Navy as 13.5 point road favorites but the game was far closer than the final score indicated as Navy trailed by only 20-17 with 13:54 remaining in the game as the Buckeyes barely outgained the Midshipmen 420-390. QB JT Barrett came on in the second half for the Bucks to finish 12/15 passing good for 226 yards and two TD’s. The defense was less than dominant against the Navy option which may bode well for the Hokies.
Matchup and Pick
Virginia Tech has been a poor road value in recent seasons with just five payouts in their last 19 away games with just eight out of their last 20 away games going over the total. The Buckeyes have been a good board value at “The Shoe” recently with six payouts in their last nine home games as five out of their last eight home games have gone over the total. The Buckeyes should be confident after winning a tough one at Navy and pulling away at the end. We’ll call for Ohio State at home.
