Ohio State (2-0) vs.

Oklahoma (1-1)

7:30 p.m. EST
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla.
FOX
Ohio State -1.5 — O/U 63

It’s hard to admit when you think you’re wrong. I’m admitting it now. Ohio State is a lot better than I thought it would be at this point in the year, and Oklahoma isn’t as good as expected. The Buckeyes have roared through their first two games of the season. And while Bowling Green isn’t that much of a team, Tulsa should have presented at least a little challenge to Ohio State. Instead, the Buckeyes dispatched the Golden Hurricane 48-3. Meanwhile, Oklahoma looked almost drunk in the second half against Houston, which pretty much punked the Sooners and all but demolished their national playoff hopes on opening day. Last week, OU definitely improved, but still allowed 350 yards to ULM, which should have been stuffed down hard by a vastly superior Sooner defense. The answers to some very basic questions will lead you to the predicted outcome. Will either team completely stop the other? No. Both offenses are far too potent to expect that either one will disappear for the evening. Does either defense have a chance of at least slowing down the other offense? Yes – Ohio State does. Consider that ULM and Bowling Green are probably on a parallel with one another. Ohio State racked up more than 700 yards of offense against Bowling Green, and allowed just 244 yards on defense. Oklahoma amassed 640 yards against ULM, but allowed that unfortunate 350 yards on defense – and 272 of those came through the air. Expect both teams to air it out a lot, but J.T. Barrett should have a lot of success against a pretty suspect Oklahoma secondary. The predicted 7-point victory for Ohio State might look a lot closer than the game will probably feel.

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Oklahoma 31

Result: Ohio State 45, Oklahoma 24. The Buckeyes never trailed in a game that saw them continually them continually pressure and harass Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield. The pressure forced two interceptions, including one that went for a pick-six touchdown in the first quarter. The Sooner never recovered, as Ohio State easily coasted to a victory that puts them into place as a favorite for the College Football Playoff.

Record:
This week: SU – 60-9; ATS – 31-23-1; O/U – 29-24-2
Overall: SU – 192-37; ATS – 73-66-2; O/U – 72-64-5

Upsets are bold underlined
(Results in parentheses; wins are underlined; losses in italics)