Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/23/2024 12:00 PM EST
We have your Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Indiana Hoosiers hit the road to face the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Indiana Hoosiers +325 (bet365) / Ohio State Buckeyes -425 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: -10.5 - Indiana Hoosiers -110 (ESPN BET) / Ohio State Buckeyes -110 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 53.5 - Under -115 (FanDuel) / Over -105 (FanDuel)
Game Info
Date: 11/23/2024
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)
TV: FOX
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes Preview
The Indiana Hoosiers are set to face their toughest challenge of the season as they travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in a high-stakes Big Ten showdown. This matchup is not only pivotal for the conference standings but also carries significant College Football Playoff implications. The Hoosiers, under the leadership of first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, have defied expectations this season, boasting a perfect 10-0 record. Their success has been fueled by a potent offense led by senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has thrown for 2,410 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Indiana's defense has also been formidable, allowing only 15 points per game, which ranks them among the nation's best.
On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked No. 2, have been a powerhouse in college football, with a 9-1 record. Despite an early-season loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes have rebounded impressively, winning four straight games, including a dominant 31-7 victory over Northwestern. Ohio State's offense, orchestrated by quarterback Will Howard, is one of the most explosive in the nation, averaging 37.8 points per game. Howard has been exceptional, completing 72.9% of his passes for 2,484 yards, 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The Buckeyes' defense is equally impressive, leading the nation by allowing just 10.3 points per game.
This game marks the first time Indiana has faced a ranked opponent this season, and they will need to overcome a daunting 21-game losing streak against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have historically dominated this series, holding an 80-12-5 all-time record against the Hoosiers. However, Indiana's current form and confidence, as expressed by Coach Cignetti, suggest they are ready to challenge the status quo. The Hoosiers' ability to maintain possession and convert on third downs will be crucial against a Buckeyes team that excels in both offensive and defensive metrics.
With Ohio State missing key offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin due to injury, Indiana's defense will look to capitalize on any vulnerabilities. The matchup between Indiana's secondary, led by interception leader Amare Ferrell, and Ohio State's star receiver Jeremiah Smith will be one to watch. As both teams vie for a spot in the Big Ten Championship and a potential playoff berth, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter that could go down to the wire.
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes Moneyline
In this highly anticipated matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes are poised to extend their dominance over the Indiana Hoosiers, and the moneyline pick for Ohio State is well-supported by several compelling factors. Historically, the Buckeyes have been a formidable force against Indiana, boasting an 80-12-5 all-time record and a current 21-game winning streak in this series. This historical edge is complemented by Ohio State's impressive form this season, as they have rebounded from an early loss to Oregon with four consecutive victories, including a commanding 31-7 win over Northwestern.
Ohio State's strength lies in their balanced and potent attack, led by quarterback Will Howard, who has been exceptional with a 72.9% completion rate, 2,484 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. The Buckeyes' offense ranks eighth nationally, averaging 37.8 points per game, and is supported by the nation's top scoring defense, allowing just 10.3 points per game. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive resilience makes Ohio State a formidable opponent, especially at home, where they have allowed only 7.3 points per game this season.
While Indiana has been a revelation this season under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, achieving a perfect 10-0 record, they have yet to face a ranked opponent. The Hoosiers' success has been driven by quarterback Kurtis Rourke and a defense that allows 15 points per game. However, the challenge of overcoming Ohio State's depth and experience, particularly in a high-stakes environment at Ohio Stadium, is significant. Additionally, the absence of Ohio State's starting center Seth McLaughlin due to injury could be a factor, but the Buckeyes' overall roster depth and talent are expected to mitigate this setback.
Given Ohio State's historical dominance, current form, and home-field advantage, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to secure a victory in this crucial Big Ten showdown. The combination of their explosive offense and stifling defense provides a strong foundation for backing Ohio State on the moneyline.
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes Top Player Prop Picks
Will Howard Over 250.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)
Will Howard has been a standout performer for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season, showcasing his prowess with a 72.9% completion rate and accumulating 2,484 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His ability to lead the Buckeyes' offense, which ranks eighth nationally with an average of 37.8 points per game, makes the over on his passing yards an enticing proposition. Despite Indiana's strong defensive record, allowing just 15 points per game, Howard's consistency and the Buckeyes' offensive depth, including top receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, provide a solid foundation for him to surpass the 250.5 passing yards mark. With Ohio State's home-field advantage and the high stakes of this matchup, expect Howard to rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance through the air.
Jeremiah Smith Over 4.5 Receptions -128 (FanDuel)
Jeremiah Smith has been a key target for Will Howard, and his role in Ohio State's potent offense cannot be overstated. With the Buckeyes' passing game firing on all cylinders, Smith is poised to have a significant impact against Indiana. The Hoosiers' defense, while formidable, will face a tough challenge in containing Smith, who is known for his ability to make crucial catches in high-pressure situations. Given the importance of this game and Ohio State's need to exploit their aerial attack, Smith is likely to see plenty of targets, making the over on 4.5 receptions a strong play. His chemistry with Howard and the Buckeyes' offensive strategy should ensure that Smith is heavily involved in the passing game.
Kurtis Rourke Over 225.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)
Kurtis Rourke has been the driving force behind Indiana's impressive 10-0 start, with 2,410 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and just four interceptions to his name. As the Hoosiers face their toughest test yet against Ohio State, Rourke's ability to lead the offense will be crucial. Despite the Buckeyes' top-ranked defense, which allows only 10.3 points per game, Rourke's track record and Indiana's need to keep pace with Ohio State's high-scoring offense suggest that he will be called upon to air it out frequently. With the stakes high and Indiana's playoff hopes on the line, expect Rourke to rise to the occasion and surpass the 225.5 passing yards mark, as he looks to exploit any weaknesses in the Buckeyes' secondary.