Categories
NCAA Football

Free Picks: Rutgers vs. #13 Ohio State Gambling Lines & Handicapping Preview

Week 8: Scarlet Knights vs. Buckeyes

Week 8 college betting action sees the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. the No. 13 Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Cappers Picks provides free college football handicapping tips all season long.

Entering this contest, both programs are coming off wins, but in different fashions. Ohio State took down Maryland 52-24, while Rutgers squeaked out a victory against Michigan, 26-24.

College Football Odds

Rutgers (5-1) vs. Ohio State (4-1)
Saturday, Oct. 18
3:30 PM ET
Ohio Stadium
ABC/ESPN2
College Football Betting Lines: Ohio State -19.5
College Football O/U: 60.5
***2014 CFB BONUSES***
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Click here to view… ATS Stats & Expert NCAA Betting Prediction Insight!

Rutgers

Rutgers is up against a challenge in Ohio State for two main reasons. Not only are the Buckeyes the 13th-ranked team vying for a spot in the College Football Playoffs, but they’re also coming off their second bye week of the season — a.k.a., they’re extremely rested.

[dfads params=’groups=63738&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

So far this season, the Scarlet Knights are averaging 29.5 points per contest. That number is only good enough for the 79th-best mark in the nation, but it gives the team a weekly advantage, as it’s giving up 21.7 points per contest.

Offensively, Rutgers will look to utilize the passing game, as it’s 36th in the nation in that category compared to just 75th in rushing. Unfortunately, Ohio State is the 13th-best pass defense team in the country, which creates the obvious question: Can Rutgers win with the pass alone?

Ohio State

Unlike Rutgers, Ohio State has been more efficient utilizing the run this season. The team is still a respectable 35th in the nation in passing offense, but it’s 18th in the nation in rushing offense.

[dfads params=’groups=66501&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

As a result, you’d expect the Buckeyes to run the ball down Rutgers’ throats, but that might not be the exact scenario that plays out, as the Scarlet Knights’ passing defense is just 101st in the nation — something Ohio State will undoubtedly look to take advantage of.

Coming off a bye week and a big win before that, Ohio State should be ready for this one. Rutgers is 5-1, but a win straight up should be right around the corner for the Buckeyes.

The question, however, as it often comes down to is: Can the Buckeyes cover the spread?

[dfads params=’groups=63739&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

NCAA Football Handicapping Trends:

  • RUTG are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
  • Under is 7-3 in RUTG last 10 games overall.

Week 8 NCAA Football

Although Ohio State is the safe bet straight up, the fact remains that Rutgers has played well this season. It’s coming off a close win against a subpar (if not bad) Michigan team, but chances are, we see the Scarlet Knights keep this one close most of the way as well.

Free NCAA Betting Pick 4* Rutgers 19.5

Look for the Scarlet Knights to be competitive in this one. If the Buckeyes were favorites by only two touchdowns this might be different, but at 19.5, Rutgers has a good chance to win ATS in Week 8.

Check out our Updated College Football Week 8 Odds.

[dfads params=’groups=63706&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

By PDX PIX

He's young! He's Brash, he's on a non-stop mission to destroy as many sportsbooks as he can, or at least is humanly possible. He hates losing! Perfect recipe for cashing winning tickets. He's been doing just that from the West Coast since College! Stick with PDX PIX for your NBA, NCAAB, NFL & NCAAF plays all year long!