Ohio State Buckeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

After there were five college football games last weekend, the real fun begins this Week as there is a full slate of games. The Minnesota Golden Gophers host the Ohio State Buckeyes on Thursday night in a big-time Big Ten Conference matchup. 

Ohio State advanced to the National Championship Game a season ago but ultimately fell just one game short. The Buckeyes lost several pieces from that team, but they have reloaded the roster yet again.

Minnesota went 3-2 down the stretch a season ago, but it wasn’t enough to win the Big Ten West Division. The Golden Gophers should be a threat to win that division this season, and playing at home against Ohio State is a big advantage. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 14.5-point favorites over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the season opener on Thursday night.

Stroud Set to Lead Buckeyes

The Buckeyes rode on the shoulders of Justin Fields a season ago, and he nearly delivered them a national title. C.J. Stroud is set to take over at quarterback, and Ohio State has confidence that he can be great as well.

The Buckeyes were one of the most explosive offenses in the country a season ago, and that is how they are going to attack Minnesota in this game as well. Ohio State just has so many athletes, and it’s too hard for opposing teams to keep up.

The defense of Ohio State was exploited against Alabama a season ago, but that unit has had a whole offseason to improve. Look for the Buckeyes to play terrific defense and shut down the Golden Gophers. 

Gophers Must Get Stops

If Minnesota is going to pull off this massive upset in Week 1, then it will have to come on the defensive end of the field. The Golden Gophers aren’t going to completely stop Ohio State, but they need to limit the big plays against them.

Minnesota has not had much trouble scoring the football in recent years, and they aren’t going to be afraid to take some shots down the field either. The Golden Gophers will need to try to establish the run early in this game, and they have to find a way to chew up some clock. 

Buckeyes Blow Out Golden Gophers

Look for Minnesota to get off to a fast start in this game, as they will have plenty of energy from the fans. The Golden Gophers are also completely undermanned in this matchup, and keeping up with Ohio State is a big challenge.

The Buckeyes might have different names on the field this season, but they are still going to have the same overall look. Ohio State is going to put up a ton of points, and this game will get out of hand late. 

The Minnesota fans will be glad to be back in the stands on Thursday night, but they are not going to like what takes place on the field. Bet the Ohio State Buckeyes -14.5 as they win this game by at least three touchdowns on Thursday night.

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