The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans prepare for a face off in Week 5, with the game lights promising no dull moments on the gridiron at Spartan Stadium. Considering that the two teams so far this September have had two very different starts to the season’s schedule, this matchup is circled on almost every sports fan’s calendar. On the other hand, the Buckeyes are a confident, undefeated team going up against a Spartan team that has been on the losing end and is looking to redeem themselves. This game is a gold mine for fans on the prowl for NCAAF tips and picks.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans 9/28/24 Game Info |
|
| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Spartan Stadium |
| TV: | PEAC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) vs. Michigan State Spartans (3-1)
The Ohio State Buckeyes have launched into the season with a bang and an extraordinary offensive system, which is a balance of power and tactical approaches that leaves the defenders dumbstruck. Their last contest saw them bury Marshall by a score of 49 to 14, the same kind of dominance that helped them wallop Western Michigan 56 to nil a little earlier. There’s something more to this offensive gargantuan than its ability to pound the opposition. It is also quick and creates huge wastelands and record scoreboards. Dynamic footballers like Quinshon Judkins have been very effective, with the crucible getting punished for 336 rushing yards and five touch downs since the arrival of the three games, and always pose a threat back there.
Contrasting this, the Michigan State Spartans, although they stumbled in a close 19-23 loss against Boston College, have shown they can dominate when the pieces align, as evident from their 40-0 thrashing of Prairie View A&M. More of a ground game approach tactics is employed by the Spartans with Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams being the battering ram. Lynch-Adams, who has 271 rushing yards this season, depicts the Spartan will and physicality. This has guaranteed that even when being tagged as underdogs, the team remains relevant in games due to their brawling capability.
Will Howard QB vs. Aidan Chiles QB
The quarterback for Ohio State – Will Howard – has been nothing short of extraordinary, completing 51 out of 74 attempts for 795 yards and six touchdowns. Such a completion rate enhances the ability of Howard with a quarterback rating of 183.2, which translates to a QB who is aware of where to throw the ball with pin-point accuracy. Still, the fact that he can be sacked, the worst of which was an 11-yard loss, remains somewhat of a blemish in his otherwise perfect record. That will be important because of the Spartan defense which has been a little all over the place this season.
Aidan Chiles of Michigan State has had a tougher season with 63 completions on 116 attempts for 891 yards, marred by seven interceptions. It is his deficiency that hurts his completion percentage with 54.3% and his passer rating at 118.1 is a shame. Chiles has to fight the Buckeye defense which loves to carve and rattle it. His accuracy, when the pocket collapses all around him and critical passes are needed, may change the course of the game for the Spartans.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Ohio State Buckeyes -23.5 (-115), Total Odds: 48.5
The betting landscape for this matchup presents the Buckeyes as heavy favorites with a -23.5 point spread and the total over/under set at 48.5, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair predominantly led by Ohio State. Given their offensive firepower and the Spartans’ defensive vulnerabilities, bettors might lean towards backing Ohio State to cover the spread.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
Ohio State’s recent form, despite being 1-4 ATS in their last five, includes a dominant 7-0 ATS streak against Michigan State and an overall 14-2 SU in their last 16 games. Their ability to overpower, especially in key matchups, makes them a formidable bet, albeit with cautious optimism given their ATS struggles.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Trends
Michigan State shows a stark contrast, struggling at home with a 1-5 ATS record in their last six games. However, their tendency to keep scores low could entice under bets, especially with a track record of unders in 6 of their last 7 games.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans 9/28/24 Betting Picks
This battle tilts heavily regarding Ohio State, which should prove too powerful for the Sparty backline. They believe the Buckeyes will keep the upper hand on Michigan State and therefore, deserve the spread. As for prop bets, one can consider placing individual bets related to Quinshon Judkins since his season has started very well, and he can contribute to the game.
Moreover, in regard to the over/under, it is quite evident that Ohio State possesses good scoring ability, however, the intensity of the Spartans’ defense and their own offensive issues might, in fact, make the total score less than 48.5, especially considering they will be looking to work at an even slower pace. This game guarantees, not only a battle of teams but of tactics as well, which can well be one of the most conspicuous Handicapper best expert picks this week.