– Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:14 pm
Free Week 1 Prediction: Black Knights vs Owls Odds
Looking for Bowling Green Falcons vs. Ohio State Buckeyes free picks? Week 1 College football betting sees the Falcons taking on the #6 Buckeyes Saturday, September 3rd at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.
Week 1
(0-0) Bowling Green Falcons vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (0-0)
Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
NCAA Football Spread: Ohio State -27.5
NCAA Betting Total: 63.5
Live CFB Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… CFB ATS Stats & Expert NCAAF Betting Insight!
After a disappointing (!?) 12-1 season, the Buckeyes will look to get back to the National Championship. That won’t be easy though as the Buckeyes return just 6 total starters.
That is the fewest in the nation. Bowling Green though brings back just 11 and they don’t exactly have the same recruiting power or depth as the Buckeyes.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
The Buckeyes have major losses in all position groups but the biggest loss for the Falcons will be quarterback Matt Johnson. Combine that with an entirely new coaching staff for Bowling Green and the Buckeyes have no idea what to expect with the Falcons.
Bowling Green Falcons
The Falcons have won the MAC twice in the last three years. That was due in a large part to Matt Johnson. Last season, Johnson threw for nearly 5000 yards and 48 touchdowns. The Falcons’ passing attack was unstoppable at times.
But now, Johnson is gone and they lose four of their top receivers from last season and their leading rusher – also the all-time leading rusher at Bowling Green.
So, the offense will look completely different this season.
Also, the Falcons have a fresh coaching staff. First time head coach Mike Jinks comes from Texas Tech along with new coordinators on both sides of the ball.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
However, the Falcons bring back the most experienced offensive line in the nation. The unit has combined for 140 career starts. Having an experienced O-line makes things much, much easier for a new coach and a new quarterback.
The line should help James Knapke transition into the starting quarterback position. An experienced line is huge for a new quarterback as they can help him with protection schemes as well as what they are seeing from the other team’s pass rush.
Ohio State may be inexperienced but they still bring tons of talent. However, there are times where experience can top talent and the trenches are one of those places.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes had 6 offensive players taken in this past year’s NFL Draft. They had a total of 9 players taken in the first three rounds. Last year’s team was talented and deep at every position group. But, they had a favorable schedule.
Meyer is one of the best at getting his guys up to speed and he is 31-1 in Big Ten regular season games at Ohio State. Meyer’s goal in Week 1 will be that exactly – bringing his guys up to his expectations.
He recognizes his schedule is tough and he knows he has an inexperienced team. But, that doesn’t change his expectations for them or Buckeye Nation’s expectations for them.
The Buckeyes are ranked 6th in the early poll but that is likely on their potential. They will not play at that level starting Week 1 – which could make this game interesting.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
The leadership, experience, and talent of JT Barrett will make the transition for the new starters much easier. Barrett has experience in big games and in games against non-Power conference schools.
He will be relied on by Meyer to keep the young Buckeyes from overlooking Bowling Green but that won’t be easy.
It will be easy for the new Buckeyes to look at Bowling Green as the little, little brother of football in the state of Ohio. That could be dangerous for them.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Over is 7-1 in Bowling Green’s last 8 non-conference games
- Bowling Green are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall
- Bowling Green are 39-18-2 ATS in their last 59 road games
- Bowling Green was 10-4 ATS last season
- Ohio State is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Prediction
Both teams should come out struggling a bit but I think Bowling Green will more. Jinks is used to big time games but he’s never been to the Horseshoe before. The first half will be unsettling for Jinks, Knapke and all of the Falcons before they settle in during the second half.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Bowling Green +27.5
Barrett still is looking to prove to everyone that the 2014 championship still could have happened if he was healthy. He has a chip on his shoulder from that and surely wants more than anything another ring on his finger – but one that we won on his own.
Expect him to come out determined, poised, and confident.
BONUS: Ohio State First Half to Cover
Week 1 Free Score Prediction: Ohio State 48 – Bowling Green 24
If you’re looking for more picks like this Bowling Green Falcons vs. Ohio State Buckeyes matchup we’ll be providing 4* free College football predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free CFB Football picks!
CappersPicks.com has College football odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NCAA football lines up for early games as well.