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Ohio State vs Indiana Opening Odds – Buckeyes Laying 18.5-Points in Bloomington as Heavy Favorites

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in College Football

Updated Oct 17, 2021 · 2:08 PM PDT

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud looking to throw the ball during a college football game.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud plays against Tulsa during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
  • Ohio State (5-1) faces Indiana (2-4) at Memorial Stadium Saturday at 7:30 PM Eastern on ABC
  • Ohio State is coming off a bye week and beat its previous four opponents by a combined 161 points
  • Below are the opening odds and team break downs to help predict potential line movement prior to kickoff

The Indiana Hoosiers can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to the opponents on their schedule.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the next team to come through Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, with a date under the lights on Saturday night. The Buckeyes opened as heavy 18.5 point favorites despite travelling to face a team they only beat by a touchdown at home last season.

Ohio State vs Indiana Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Ohio State -18.5 (-110) -1000 O 60.5 (-110)
Indiana +18.5 (-110) +650 U 60.5 (-110)

Odds as of October 17th at DraftKings

On the surface the point spread appears to make sense but let’s take a deep dive into both programs to identify any potential line movement prior to kickoff.

Buckeyes Enter Week 8 Rested & Healthy

The Buckeyes are coming off their bye week but the rest and relaxation started prior to the week off. Ohio State won its previous four games by a combined 161 points, providing lots of opportunity to rest starters late in games.

QB C.J. Stroud did miss one of those games with a shoulder injury, but he’s returned to the lineup and appears to be at full health. Stroud is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy having compiled 1,699 passing yards and 18 touchdowns in only five games.

One injury of note for the Buckeyes is running back Miyan Williams. He has missed the last two games for undisclosed reasons and his status for Saturday’s game against the Hoosiers is in doubt.

It appeared Williams was the number two running back behind superstar freshman TreVeyeon Henderson who has had an electric start to his career. Henderson has already racked up 612 rushing yards and nine touchdowns despite spending the early part of the schedule earning his way onto the field. If Williams is unavailable, expect Master Teague and Marcus Crowley to spell Henderson when he needs a breather.

Hoosiers Struggling Through Tough Schedule

Indiana could potentially be the best two win team in the country. They have four losses on the season but all four have come against top 10 opponents. Most recently Michigan State got the better of Indiana with a tight fought 20-15 win. Others to beat the Hoosiers this season are Iowa, Penn State and Cincinnati.

The Hoosiers were without oft-injured quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for Saturday’s loss to the Spartans. He was ruled out with a shoulder injury and could miss this weekend as well. While he has struggled with four touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, Penix Jr. was sensational in last year’s near upset against Ohio State. He had 491 passing yards and five touchdowns in that game, establishing himself as a top tier quarterback.

If Penix Jr. misses Saturday, Jack Tuttle will once again be under center.

Expect Significant Line Movement Prior To Kickoff

Ohio State is listed as a heavy favorite but that won’t stop the public from betting them heavily. The Buckeyes are at near full health and have several stars on offense to help them rack up points against a reeling Indiana defense. With the Hoosiers already having lost four games to good opponents, many bettors will believe they have the blueprint to placing a winning wager.

If you plan on siding with the Buckeyes bet this game early, if you’re taking the points wait until closer to kickoff to get the best value.

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