We’re still 89 days away from the first game of the Ohio State football season, but who’s counting? That first contest this year is one that’s fairly significant because the Buckeyes won’t get a chance to dip their toes in the college football waters before jumping head fist in this time around. No, instead OSU will tussle with Notre Dame right off the bat, on September 3.
Though not as consistent as the Ohio States and Alabamas of the world over the last few years, the Fighting Irish have made a couple of College Football Playoff appearances and have been a formidable foe over the last few years. That means Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and staff will have to get the team ready to play right out of the gate.
It’s one of the matchups of the year, and it’ll be in prime time to boot. Add in the fact that former OSU linebacker Marcus Freeman is the head coach and some of the controversial things he said about his alma mater shortly after taking the gig, and well — there are plenty of storylines already baked into this college football casserole.
Yum.
The early odds are starting to trickle out with some of the first games of the year, and our friends at Tipico Sportsbook have published their odds for the OSU vs. Notre Dame game, initially making Ohio State a 14.5 point favorite.
All Betting Lines are Courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook
If you think that’s a little high, we’re with you. There are a lot of unknowns about this year’s OSU squad — namely how well the defense will perform. However, the Irish also have to figure out a coaching change and some key losses, so maybe it makes sense. Especially considering Ohio State’s offense might score more points per game than the basketball team this season (that’s good and bad, right?).
There’s still plenty of time for this line to move before game time, but as it stands right now, most sportsbooks have the Buckeyes as huge favorites. Don’t be surprised if that line moves more in Notre Dame’s favor as things get closer.
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