Buckeyes Open Betting Favorite vs. Notre Dame
For the first big test of the season for the Ohio State Buckeyes, they begin preparations for their game versus Notre Dame as an early betting favorite.
Following the Buckeyes' dominant 63-10 win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, which was the first start for Kyle McCord after being announced the winner of their quarterback competition, they are considered a three-point favorite over the Fighting Irish by DraftKings. At the same time, FanDuel has the Buckeyes as 3.5-point favorites.
While the line can and will likely shift throughout the next week, it has already moved from the offseason, where the Buckeyes were named a 7.5-point favorite over Notre Dame in February. This four-point shift is likely a byproduct of both teams getting off to undefeated starts, which has set the stage for a top-10 matchup in South Bend, Indiana.
After the first two games for the Buckeyes were mired with questions and criticism from fans and the media, the 53-point win against the Hilltoppers was exactly the type of domination that many expected.
The newly named full-time starter, McCord, completed 19 of his 23 passes for 318 yards with three touchdowns before handing over the reins to backup Devin Brown near the end of the fourth quarter, who completed three of his four passes for 40 yards with a touchdown and an interception being one of two turnovers for the Buckeyes offense.
Not only did the passing game shine, but the ground game capped off a balanced attack for the Buckeyes, as they finished with 204 yards on 33 carries. Junior running back TreVeyon Henderson led the way for Ohio State on the ground with 88 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State defense's impressive form carried over as they held the Hilltoppers to just 10 points, which means the Buckeyes have given up two touchdowns in the first three games. While the Irish improved to 4-0 on the season with a 41-17 win over Central Michigan.