It’s finally football season, and Ohio State opens up with a matchup that looks about as one-sided as they come. The Buckeyes host Ball State on Saturday, and they enter the game as 49.5-point favorites with the total set at 56.5.
That number is massive, even for a program like Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ job is simple here: handle the Cardinals and get through Week 1 cleanly.
Still, a spread that large asks a lot, and last season offers a pretty clear reminder of how hard that can be. Ohio State would have covered this number only once a year ago, and the only time it scored more than 50 points came in a 70-point blowout of Grambling State in Week 2.
The Buckeyes also faced one MAC team last season and beat Ohio 37-9.
There’s no real doubt about who should control this game. Ohio State should have the defense to smother Ball State, and the offense should look sharp enough to keep things comfortable. But winning by more than eight touchdowns is another story.
From a style standpoint, this doesn’t feel like a team built to run away from opponents in that way. Even before hiring Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, Ohio State has leaned toward a slow, methodical offense.
So while the Buckeyes should be in control from start to finish, the spread feels too rich. The pick is Ohio State to win 42-3, with the Buckeyes heading toward Texas feeling good, but 0-1 against the spread.
In Other News...
Ohio States Receiver Rotation Just Got More Complicated Before Week 1
Ohio States receiver picture got a little murkier heading into Week 1 after Kyle Parker was ruled out for the opener against Ball State because of an injury. Ryan Day had already flagged Parker as dealing with a minor issue, and now the Buckeyes will have to open the season without one of the players in their wideout mix.
Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd are among the receivers expected to get more snaps with Parker unavailable, which only adds another layer to a position group already under the microscope in camp. For a team trying to sort out roles early, even a short-term absence can matter, and this one gives Ohio State an early look at its depth before the real tests arrive. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State's Week 1 Start Just Added Fuel To A Huge Debate
Ohio States season opener did plenty to reinforce why the Big Ten already feels like the league to beat, with Julian Sayin looking sharp in his first extended action and the Buckeyes setting the tone early against Ball State. Across the conference, Indiana also came out strong behind new quarterback Josh Hoover, while Rutgers, Michigan State and Nebraska each left a little more uncertainty on the board after mixed openings.
Curt Cignettis postgame comments about the Big Ten being superior to the SEC only added to a debate that has been simmering for months, and former Ohio State coach Urban Meyers praise for the leagues strength gave it even more oxygen. For Buckeyes fans, the opening weekend was less about settling anything outright than about reminding everyone that Ohio State is already in the middle of a bigger argument about where the sports best football is being played. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Opener Made One Position Battle A Lot More Interesting
Ohio States season opener looked comfortable on the scoreboard, a 56-3 win that still left enough rough edges to keep the coaching staff busy. Jeremiah Smith delivered the kind of opening performance that reminds everyone why he is already such a focal point of the offense, piling up 151 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches, and Devin McCuin also made his mark as the Buckeyes worked through stretches of inconsistency on both sides of the ball.
One of the more intriguing takeaways came away from the spotlight plays, where freshman Legend Bey flashed enough on offense to suggest there is something to build on. His night also came with some costly special teams errors, though, and that is the kind of detail that can reshape how quickly a young player gets trusted in bigger moments. At quarterback, the depth chart also appeared to settle a little further, with Tavien St. Clair looking more like he is chasing the No. 3 job than threatening the top of the line behind Julian Sayin. [Read more 🡒]