The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first full week of college football action on Thursday. It's time to continue our CFB odds series and make an Ohio State-Minnesota prediction and pick.
Both of these teams enter the season with high expectations. Ohio State's expectations are always on a different level, as they are projected to be a perennial College Football Playoff contender despite the loss of plenty of talent to the NFL Draft.
The Gophers and head coach P.J. Fleck aren't expected to be in the playoff picture, but a repeat of their 2019 season is certainly on the table. This season opener will set the tone for these squads, so expect an entertaining and competitive matchup.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for Thursday's game.
CFB Odds: Ohio State-Minnesota Odds
Ohio State Buckeyes -14 (-110)
Minnesota Golden Gophers +14 (-110)
Over 63 points (-110)
Under 63 points (-110)
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Why Ohio State Could Cover The Spread
The Buckeyes had plenty of departures this offseason, but they always seem to have a premium stable of talent available. That certainly applies on the offensive side of things, where head coach Ryan Day commanded one of the best units in the country last season.
The Buckeyes averaged insane numbers on offense last year, averaging 41 points per game and 519 yards per contest. Those numbers will almost surely fall because of the change at quarterback, but this lineup should maintain a high level of play. Former four-star recruit C.J. Stroud is set to start at quarterback, and he's surrounded by some of the best talent in the country.
Wide receiver Chris Olave is back with the Buckeyes for his senior season, and he pairs with Garrett Wilson to form one of the best pass-catching duos in the country. The offensive line returns three starters, and the two newcomers are former four and five-star recruits. The offense is set to be dominant once again, and they should roll against a Minnesota defense that allowed 30 points per game and 6.8 yards per play a season ago.
Why Minnesota Could Cover The Spread
Minnesota's hopes of winning this game also lie on offense. Fortunately for the Gophers, they aren't dealing with the same roster turnover as the Buckeyes. Starting signal-caller Tanner Morgan elected to return for his senior season, and the offensive line gets four starters back from the 2020 campaign while also returning starting tackle Daniel Faalele, who opted out of last season. Star running back Mohamed Ibrahim is still a Gopher, and he should lead one of the better ground games in the country. Overall, this unit should be one of the most efficient units in all of college football.
The Gophers' offense matches up well against this Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes had a major defensive exodus in the offseason, losing five starters to the NFL. Ohio State is replacing their top two tacklers and their best cornerback, so there will be some growing pains in the first week of the season. Minnesota should be able to put up numbers through the air and on the ground against this inexperienced group, which will keep them in contention for a cover in this contest.
Final Ohio State-Minnesota Prediction & Pick
This is a tough opening matchup for Ohio State. Playing in Minnesota will certainly play a factor in this game, and the experience the Gophers have throughout their roster will too. This game will be much closer than everyone expects as Ohio State tries to transition to a post-Justin Fields era. Take the Gophers to cover and have fun rooting for the upset pick.
FINAL PICK: Minnesota Golden Gophers +14 (-110)
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