The stage is set for the Big Ten Conference Championship Game Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, as the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0) will battle the Northwestern Wildcats (6-1). Ohio State’s hopes of a berth in the College Football Playoff hinge on a win. Kickoff is at noon eastern.
Following the cancelation of their game against Michigan, the Buckeyes did not know if they would be eligible to play in the Championship Game. Before the season, Big Ten teams agreed on a six-game minimum to be eligible to compete in the Conference championship. However, after a meeting consisting of all of the Athletic Directors from their respective schools, it was voted on and announced that the game restriction would not be enforced.
Buckeyes Preview: Fields Owns the Field
Quarterback Justin Fields will be a top draft choice, and his stats back up that claim. Fields has 15 TD passes with only three interceptions. He leads the NCAA with a 78.1 completion percentage. Fields has also scored five rushing touchdowns on 239 yards rushing.
Defensively OSU struggles with takeaways. After five full games, the Buckeyes have only recorded four. While takeaways are in issue, other teams finding the end zone has been a struggle against OSU. The defense has only given up an average of 23.2 points per game.
Ohio State has a record of 5-0, but their record ATS is 3-2. The offense is one of the best in the country, averaging 46.6 points per game.
Wildcats Preview: Control the Ball, Control the Game
Northwestern comes into the game 6-1 and 5-1-1 ATS. In the seven games they have completed, they have been the favorite in all seven. Northwestern does not light up a scoreboard; they are averaging just 25.8 points per game.
In their most recent game against Illinois, freshman running back Evan Hull had a breakout day. On 13 attempts, Hull rushed for 149 yards. In the six games previous, Hull had carried the ball just ten times for 53 yards. A spark in their offense is something that could help Northwestern be competitive.
Defensively the Wildcats have been nothing short of impressive. Averaging just 14.6 points against, they come in second in the Big Ten in points given up. Freshman defensive back, Brandon Joseph, is having a spectacular season. In seven games, Joseph has five interceptions, daring opposing quarterbacks to throw his way.
Betting Odds & Lines
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Buckeyes the 20.5 point favorites coming into this contest, as well as the over/under set at 58.5.
The Pick Is In
Ohio State is 2-2 when the spread is greater than 20. Northwestern has never been an underdog this season, which makes betting the spread in this game challenging.
OSU has hit the over three times this season. With their offensive firepower and having an extra week of rest due to the cancellation, I do not see Northwestern being able to slow them down. If Northwestern can manage to put a few scoring drives together, the over should hit, and the Wildcats can keep it close.
FREE PICK: Northwestern Wildcats (+20.5), Over 58.5.
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