Ohio State’s National Championship Odds Improve to +175 After Beating Penn State

• No. 2 Ohio State remained unbeaten by defeating No. 9 Penn State
• The Buckeyes’ National Championship odds have shortened to +175
• Read below to see if Ohio State is a good bet to win the CFP

No. 2 Ohio State remained unbeaten with a close victory over No. 9 Penn State on Saturday. Chase Young returned from his suspension to help the Buckeyes earn their second win over a top-10 opponent.

Ohio State is proving be the most complete team in the country and saw their National Championship odds improve to +175 after the victory.

Are the Buckeyes a good bet to win the CFP?

2020 National Championship Odds

Odds taken Nov. 21

Buckeyes Beat Penn State

Ohio State earned a tight 28-17 victory over Penn State on Saturday in their biggest test of the season. Justin Fields threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns, while J.K. Dobbins rushed for 157 yards and two scores. DE Chase Young  racked up four tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles in his return from suspension.

Ohio State had been receiving criticism for not having played anybody of substance, but the Buckeyes proved they were the real deal with their first big win against a strong defensive team. The Buckeyes outgained the Nittany Lions 417-227 and overcame three lost fumbles.

Penn State was trailing 21-0 in the third quarter and rallied for 17 unanswered points to make it a game. The turnovers were uncharacteristic of Ohio State, who had only had turned the ball over eight times in their previous 10 games. There was plenty to like about the Buckeyes from the game, however, including the continued dominance on offense and the strong play of Young in his return.

Michigan Looms

Ohio State is having an amazing season, but their path to the playoffs isn’t an easy one. While other contenders such as LSU have already played some of their biggest games, Ohio State’s toughest challenges are coming now.

Michigan is up to No. 10 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll. #GoBlue 〽️ pic.twitter.com/o43a7eBFyA

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 24, 2019

The Buckeyes are set to clash with Michigan at the Big House in Week 14. The Wolverines are playing their best football of the season and have won seven of their last eight. QB Shea Patterson has thrown 13 TD passes in his last three games and the Wolverines have defeated Penn State, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Indiana in the last five weeks.

Ohio State has won seven straight against Michigan, but they’re catching this Wolverines team at the wrong time. Michigan’s offense is looking lethal and the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them in a very tough environment.

Ohio State has already clinched a spot in the Big 10 Conference game, where they will face Minnesota or Wisconsin. The one-loss Golden Gophers are a very resilient group, so while the Buckeyes have the best playoff odds, it still isn’t a sure-fire bet that they get in.

Tough CFP Opponents

The Buckeyes are on pace to reach the CFP for the first time since 2016, but their tight game against Penn State showcased how tough it can be to earn a win against a quality opponent. With the Buckeyes having an easier schedule earlier on, these tough games to close out the regular season will help prepare them to face a superpower in the playoff.

Moments of adversity will show you who you really are ‼️#GoBucks #ToughLove pic.twitter.com/mTVK9gf3OL

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 23, 2019

No. 1 LSU is looking unbeatable behind Heisman favorite Joe Burrow, while No. 3 Clemson has turned in six straight convincing victories after suffering a shocking upset loss to UNC. QB Trevor Lawrence is heating up and the Tigers’ prior experience of four straight CFP appearances will make them a very dangerous team.

Despite the overall talent on the top contenders, Ohio State has as complete a team as anybody. Fields, Dobbins and Young are among the best in the country at their position, and their overall offense and defense is top-5 nationally.

Analysis on Ohio State’s National Championship Odds

Ohio State’s tight game against Penn State proved how a few costly turnovers can cost a team a chance at winning. Those mistakes were uncharacteristic of the Buckeyes, though, and the team should eventually benefit from this tough schedule to finish the regular season

Joe Burrow and the Tigers are the biggest obstacle in Ohio State’s path, but there’s value in betting the Buckeyes. As good as Burrow has been, LSU has shown some vulnerabilities on defense and rank outside the top-50 in both rushing and passing defense.

While anything can happen in the playoff, the Buckeyes have the most complete team in the country and are a great bet to win a title this season.