Ohio State Buckeyes Football 2020 Betting Preview
Following a 13-1 season that resulted in a third straight Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2016 season, the expectations are high in Columbus in 2020.
Justin Fields, the favorite in Heisman Trophy betting odds, returns for another year as Ohio State's signal caller. Buckeye Maven Bruce Hooley tackles if a summer without football due to COVID-19 guidelines could hinder Fields' development.
The Buckeyes will have a gaping hole in the ground game following J.K. Dobbins’ early departure for the NFL, leaving Master Teague III as the probable starter. Fields will also no longer have the services of wideout K.J. Hill, who recorded the most receptions in school history. The prolific wide receiver was drafted in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Chargers.
In addition, on defense they need to find a way to replace the production of both star defensive end Chase Young and shutdown cornerback Jeff Okudahm who were drafted early in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The oddsmakers have Ohio State listed with a projection of 11 wins, juiced moderately to the over at odds of -134.
2020 Ohio State Win Total Odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
It's no surprise that their 2020 season win total odds have them heavily favored to find themselves in position for another National Championship. The oddsmakers are not leaving much room for error as this market demands an 11-1 campaign just to push.
2020 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule
Week 1 - Sept. 5 vs. Bowling Green
Week 2 - Sept. 12 at Oregon
Week 3 - Sept. 19 vs. Buffalo
Week 4 - Sept. 26 vs. Rutgers
Week 5 - Oct. 10 vs Iowa
Week 6 - Oct. 17 at Michigan State
Week 7 - Oct. 24 at Penn State
Week 8 - Oct. 31 vs Nebraska
Week 9 - OFF
Week 10 - Nov. 7 vs Indiana
Week 11 - Nov. 14 at Maryland
Week 12 - Nov. 21 at Illinois
Week 13 - Nov. 28 vs. Michigan
In 2019, the Buckeyes posted a perfect 13-0 record with an average margin of victory of 33 points (which led the country) while beating five ranked teams on their way to the College Football Playoff. It was an impressive start to Ryan Day's head coaching career, and the expectations for a National Championship in his second year are immense.
An early look at their 2020 schedule shows a tough out of conference road matchup with powerful Oregon in Week 2. However, the oddsmakers have them as strong 9.5-point favorites going into Eugene. Another tough road game will take place in Week 7 when they go on the road to face Penn State. Once again, it should be noted that the oddsmakers have installed the Buckeyes as 6.5-point favorites over their Big Ten foe. Finally, they wrap up the season with easily their biggest rival, the Michigan Wolverines. The boys in the desert don't envision any upset at the Horseshoe with Ohio State an early 11.5-point home favorite.
Ohio State Odds to Win Big Ten Conference
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
If you prefer the Buckeyes’ odds of being the class of the Big 10 in 2020, this market comes with a steep price. The -230 requested here will surely tie up larger funds available to any manageable betting bankroll.
Ohio State Odds to Make 2020-21 College Football Playoff
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
The oddsmakers have Ohio State listed as the second-most likely squad to be a playoff team in 2020, behind only Clemson (-670). It should be noted that only three schools listed in this market come without plus-odds on the “Yes” (Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama).
Odds for Ohio State Players to Win 2020 Heisman Trophy
As we have previously highlighted here at SI Gambling, Ohio State currently has two players listed in Heisman Trophy odds at William Hill: quarterback Justin Fields (+350) and running back Master Teague III (60/1).
Ohio State Odds to Win 2020-21 College Football Playoff
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
After diving in deeper, I believe it’s fair to land on a 2020 regular season projection of a 12-0 or 11-1. I do believe odds of 3/1 to win the College Football Playoff offers value to attract a wager thanks to the ability and experience of Fields under center. Winning the Big Ten (-230) appears to be a solid investment as well, however due to my disdain for laying heavy chalk, laying this kind of juice is not something I am comfortable doing when one ‘hit’ could sideline Fields at any time.
If you believe in Ohio State making it to the National Championship, that means you believe in Fields being the one who leads them there. I would prefer to back the star quarterback in the Heisman market at +350 as opposed to the lower return of 3/1. Plus, there's always the added risk of needing to beat Clemson and Trevor Lawrence in order to cash the ticket.
The Play: Justin Fields (Heisman Trophy) +350
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