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Arkansas State vs. Ohio State Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 2

By Reed Wallach

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops to throw
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops to throw / Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
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It wasn't as lopsided as expected, but Ohio State got off to the start they were looking for against Notre Dame, winning 21-10.

The Buckeyes are not in the best of shape though, as the team may be without star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who suffered a hamstring injury early in the team's win over Notre Dame. C.J. Stroud and the Ohio State offense should be fine without him against Arkansas State, as they are massive favorites.

Here are the odds and our best bet for this non conference matchup.

Arkansas State vs. Ohio State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Arkansas State: +44 (-110)
  • Ohio State: -44 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Arkansas State: +7000
  • Ohio State: -10000

Total:

  • 68 (Over -110/Under -110)

Arkansas State vs. Ohio State Betting Trends

  • Ohio State is a 10-7 against the spread (ATS) as a home favorite under Ryan Day
  • Ohio State has lost once at home under Ryan Day (17-1)
  • Arkansas State went 3-1 ATS against non conference opponents last season

Arkansas State vs. Ohio State Prediction and Pick

There is a case to be made that Arkansas State is one of the worst teams in the country, and now they run into a top three club in Ohio State.

The spread is rightfully sitting over six touchdowns as the Ohio State offense should score on nearly every possession. The key is how long will they play for? Even with Smith-Njigba potentially out for this game, the Ohio State offense should hum against the Arkansas State defense. I expect Stroud to pick up some counting stats after a quiet evening against Notre Dame that was more of a defensive affair.

While it has not yet been released, the implied team total for Ohio State is going to be around 55.5, which is asking the bettor, "will the Buckeyes score eight touchdowns?" They most certainly can, if they want to. I actually think the under is the better play.

Sure, Stroud and the Buckeyes can clear the team total over, but will they push 60? I'm not sure the offense will play with enough pace to get there and the defense should be licking their chops to feast on a helpless Red Wolves offense. The unit looked strong behind Jim Knowles in the opener against Notre Dame, holding the Irish to 10 points.

It may not be pretty, but I think there's too high of an expectation for the Arkansas State offense against a strong defense. I'll go under and bank on garbage time.

LEAN: UNDER 68

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