Troy at Ohio State Odds
Written by Jack Jones - Google +
The No. 13 Ohio State Buckeyes went out to USC and were embarrassed by the Trojans last weekend, but it’s back to business this week when they play host to the Troy Trojans in their final non-conference game before starting Big Ten play. The odds show Ohio State as a 21-point favorite with a total set at 46.
The Buckeyes didn’t do themselves any favors when it comes to making the BCS Championship game at the end of the year when they were drubbed 35-3 last weekend, but there is plenty of time to rebound. That was the second straight lackluster performance from head coach Jim Tressel’s bunch as they narrowly escaped Ohio University 26-14 the previous week. Don’t expect another upset on Saturday though as Tressel has gone 14-2 at Ohio State after a loss and 22-1 under him at home against non-Big Ten schools.
Troy on the other hand is coming off one of the best performances for the team in their history, beating Alcorn State 65-0 to go to 2-0. The Trojans put up 736 total yards and moved the chains 36 times in the game. The rushing attack contributed 315 yards while the team racked up 421 yards passing. Quarterback Jamie Hampton rushed for 39 yards while throwing for 323. He totaled five touchdowns, one with his legs and four passing. He has been careless with the ball however, throwing three interceptions thus far. He can’t do that against Ohio State or else Troy will pay dearly.
When your offense is putting up numbers like that, it’s easy to forget about the defense shutting out the opposition while allowing just 120 total yards. The Trojans also picked up six interceptions, bringing the team total to nine forced turnovers in their first two games. Running the ball against this team has proved difficult so far, with a 2.1 yards per carry mark for opponents. However, Ohio State has bigger offensive linemen and more powerful running backs than the Trojans have seen, or will see all year long.
The injury to Chris “Beanie” Wells seems to have put a damper on the Ohio State offense since they have struggled since their Week 1 blowout win over Youngstown State. The top tier running back injured his foot in that game and has missed the last two. Last week, Ohio State managed just 71 rushing yards without Wells, and added only 136 yards through the air. Quarterback Todd Boeckman was intercepted twice, sacked four times, and fumbled the ball. Freshman Terrelle Pryor saw some time due to the ineffectiveness of Boeckman and completed 7-of-9 for 52 yards while adding 40 yards with his feet. The cries for more Pryor are starting to be heard after that impressive performance.
Ohio State still has one of the best defenses in the country, holding opposing teams to just 16.3 points per game and 225.3 total yards per game. With five interceptions and two fumble recoveries they have given the offense a chance to score on a short field. The Buckeye defense did their part against USC last week, holding the Trojans to a respectable 348 yards, including only 184 yards through the air.
Football Score Predictions: Ohio State 35, Troy 14
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