Final Texas vs Ohio State Prediction, Pick & Updated Odds (Aug. 30)

• #1 Texas faces #3 Ohio State in the marquee matchup on the Week 1 college football slate
• Money has been pouring in on the Longhorns all week, moving the spread multiple points in their favor
• See below for my final Texas vs Ohio State prediction and pick, plus the updated odds

Saturday’s mega showdown between #1 Texas and #3 Ohio State is not only the marquee matchup in Week 1, but a potential National Championship preview as well.

From the time opening odds were released, the Buckeyes were entrenched as the favorite, but as we approach kickoff, there’s been a substantial amount of action on the Longhorns per the college football odds.

Texas vs Ohio State Odds

As a result, Texas has gone from a 3-point underdog to a favorite at some online sportsbooks. DraftKings, for example, has the Longhorns laying 1.5 points, while FanDuel still lists Ohio State as chalk but only by 1.5 points.

The total, meanwhile, has climbed a point to 47.5, with the over drawing 70% of the tickets so far.

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5 & Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $300

BET NOW

According to the college football public betting trends, the betting action is completely one-sided. Texas is drawing 76% of the moneyline bets, and 73% of the spread wagers.

Texas vs Ohio State Prediction and Pick

If the Buckeyes close as a consensus underdog, it will be the first time they’re getting points at home since 2018. It will also mark just the second time since 2012 that they’ve been favored at Ohio Stadium by less than 3 points. Conversely, if Texas closes as a consensus ‘dog, they’ll be the first No. 1-ranked team to be catching points in their season opener.

The influx of Longhorns’ money makes perfect sense to me. I’ve been predicting all week that Texas was the right side in this matchup, and my Texas vs Ohio State pick won’t change even if they’re laying points at kickoff.

The Longhorns have a major advantage at the quarterback position. Arch Manning is the favorite in the Heisman Trophy odds, and he impressed whenever he got a chance to play in his first two seasons. Manning threw for 939 yards and 9 TD in limited action last year, and also chipped in 4 rushing TD on 25 carries.

Arch Manning 2024 Stats

OSU’s Julian Sayin on the other hand, couldn’t even secure the starting job until a week ago. Yes, he’ll have the nation’s top receiver to throw to in Jeremiah Smith, but Texas’ pass defense is expected to be stout once again.

The Longhorns ranked first in yards allowed per attempt last year, and seventh in passing yards allowed. Texas faced Smith and the Buckeyes in the CFP back in January, and limited him to 1 catch for 3 yards.

They were also top-seven in interception percentage, and although they lost defenders to the NFL, they reloaded with the number one recruiting class in the country.

The stout defense and projected elite QB play makes the Longhorns a virtual lock in the college football playoff odds. Both factors will be pivotal to success on Saturday, but let’s not forget about the coaching advantage Texas also has.

The Longhorns are returning the entire staff from last year’s 13-win team. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are breaking in two new coordinators, one of whom (Brian Hartline) was demoted previously for Chip Kelly. I expect serious growing pains for Ohio State on both sides of the ball, and predict they won’t look anything like a top contender in Week 1.

This version of Ohio State is nothing like the one that won the national championship last season. Texas is more experienced, with superior talent at QB, and more continuity in the coaching department.

Follow the Longhorns steam and back them confidently either against the spread or on the moneyline in this matchup.

• Final Texas vs Ohio State Pick: Texas Moneyline (-110 at FanDuel)