An intriguing matchup of contrasting styles will be featured on Friday afternoon as #8 Ohio State and #7 Oregon meet in the college football betting Rose Bowl in a game that can be seen on ABC television. The Ducks have the high-powered offense while Ohio State has the stout defense. Whichever team is able to exert their influence will be the likely winner.
Oregon is a 4-point favorite with a total of 50.5 at SBG Global.
Ohio State ranked fifth nationally in both total defense (262.5 yards per game) and rushing defense (83.42 yards). They will be the best defense Oregon has faced all season. “It’s the most talented and complete defense we’ve seen.” Oregon offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said. Ohio State had three shutouts this season and held eight opponents to 100 yards or less in rushing. Linebacker Ross Homan led the Buckeyes with 96 tackles this season. The Ohio State defense will face their biggest challenge of the season against an Oregon offense that averages 236 yards per game on the ground. Ohio State is focusing on Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.
“I don’t think we’ve faced a QB that can run the ball as well as he can, as well as pass the ball in space like he does,” Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman said. “It’s definitely going to be a big challenge for us.”
The Big 10 went 1-6 in bowl games last season and Ohio State is very focused on gaining some respect for the conference. “We get tired of hearing it,” Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor said. “I think the Big Ten as a whole, we’re tired of hearing it.” Motivation could be a major factor in which team wins this game. “Even some of the teams we beat, they say, ‘Go play for us and get these wins.’” Pryor said. “All the coaching staffs on the other teams say that.”
Here are the college football betting stats for Friday’s game. The Buckeyes are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. the Pac-10. The Buckeyes are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 bowl games. The Ducks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 bowl games.
The Under is 7-1 in the Buckeyes last 8 non-conference games. The Under is 5-1 in the Buckeyes last 6 vs. the Pac-10. The Over is 5-1-1 in the Ducks last 7 vs. the Big Ten. The Over is 6-2-1 in the Ducks last 9 non-conference games.
