Ohio State vs. Xavier Prediction and Odds: Road Favorite Buckeyes Are Valuable

Ohio State put its best performance of the season together earlier this week, beating Bowling Green by a score of 89-58. Now, the team faces its first real test of the season, on the road against in-state foe Xavier.

The Musketeers have started the season without arguably their most impactful player in Zach Freemantle. The team is relying heavily on senior guard Paul Scruggs in the meantime, but coach Travis Steele is shorthanded to start the year.

Can the Buckeyes stay hot after finding their stride, or was that a misleading result for a team that is overvalued early in the season? Let's first check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Xavier vs. Ohio State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Xavier:+2.5 (-110)
• Ohio State -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Xavier +115
• Oho State -135

Total: 135 (Over -110/Under -110)

Xavier vs. Ohio State Pick and Prediction

This line opened with Ohio State -1 and swiftly moved in the direction of the visitors, out of the range I want to play, but if this dips back to OSU -2, I'll be backing them.

The Musketeers have struggled to score early in the year, posting an effective field goal percentage of 44.9%, 245th best in the country. The loss of Freemantle has been a big adjustment for the offense and the team is struggling to find reliable buckets through the course of the game.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes offense has not been an issue. The team is shooting 36% from beyond the arc and posting an effective field goal percentage of over 56%, 45th highest in the nation. Behind the play of E.J. Liddell, who has been involved in the sixth highest amount of possessions in the country this season, per KenPom, the Buckeyes offense is still firing. He is averaging 22 points and six rebounds on nearly 60% shooting.

While I'm concerned long term about OSU's defense, I believe that this current Xavier roster is not equipped to make them pay. I want to get this at -2 or lower, and am willing to hold out to bet this live.

PICK: Ohio State -2 or better