Buckeye Fans Only · @buckeyefansonly
29th Aug 2014 from TwitLonger
CFB betting preview: Wk 1: #5 #OhioState #Buckeyes at Navy Midshipmen. #GoBucks!
Spread: Ohio State -16.5
Total: 55
Analysis: Here’s the message that sent shockwaves through the betting world a little over a week ago: J.T. Barrett, a redshirt freshman who has never taken a collegiate snap, will start in place of Heisman Trophy hopeful Braxton Miller.
That’s the way the news hit bettors across the nation. But those savvy enough to know the impact the move is likely to have reacted differently. The line for this game was taken off the board for a long while before coming back around with Ohio State installed as 11.5-point favorites.
That line was quickly bet back up to 16.5, as the public quickly got to know Barrett, who enters a quarterback-friendly system surrounded by plenty of talented playmakers. Navy isn’t devoid of talent either. Quarterback Keenan Reynolds set the record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 31 as a sophomore last season.
Both teams are going to lean heavily on their running games here, but Ohio State will find more success against Navy’s undersized defensive front, while the Midshipmen will meet more resistance against a Buckeye front-seven that projects as elite.
Prediction: Ohio State 45, Navy 14
The play: Ohio State -16.5