College Football Week 1 Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Akron Zips
When: Saturday, August 31st, 3:30 PM EST
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
The Line: Ohio State -50.5 (total 58.5) – BetAnySports
The Matchup:
The Ohio State Buckeyes, perennial national title contenders, open their 2024 season hosting the Akron Zips in a game that’s expected to be a lopsided affair. While the Buckeyes’ victory is a near certainty, the intrigue lies in whether the Zips can keep the score respectable against a 50.5-point spread.
Ohio State Buckeyes (2023 Record: 11-2)
After a stellar regular season last year, Ohio State stumbled against Michigan and lost their bowl game. Despite that, they return a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball. With seven returning offensive starters and nine on defense, combined with their renowned recruiting prowess, the Buckeyes are once again poised to make a run for the national championship.
Key Strengths:
- Offensive firepower: Expect a potent offense led by a slew of returning starters and highly touted recruits.
- Defensive dominance: Nine returning starters on a defense known for its speed and athleticism will make it difficult for Akron to move the ball.
- Home-field advantage: The raucous atmosphere at “The Horseshoe” will further amplify the Buckeyes’ advantage.
Akron Zips (2023 Record: 2-10)
Akron’s struggles are no secret. The Zips haven’t won more than two games in any of the past five seasons, and with only three returning offensive starters and six on defense, the outlook for 2024 appears similarly grim.
Key Challenges:
- Offensive inexperience: A lack of experience on offense could lead to turnovers and stalled drives.
- Defensive shortcomings: The Zips defense will be hard-pressed to contain Ohio State’s high-powered attack.
- Road woes: Playing on the road against a powerhouse like Ohio State will be an uphill battle.
Prediction & Betting Analysis:
While Ohio State’s victory is a foregone conclusion, the question is by how much. The Buckeyes have historically dominated Akron, and recent results against top-tier competition paint a bleak picture for the Zips:
- Auburn 60, Akron 10 (2021)
- Ohio State 59, Akron 7 (2022)
- Michigan State 51, Akron 0 (2022)
- Tennessee 63, Akron 6 (2023)
Even against a middling Northern Illinois team, Akron lost 55-14 last season. Based on these trends, Ohio State covering the 50.5-point spread seems likely.
Our model predicts a 48-0 Ohio State victory, but we believe the final margin could be even wider. Given Akron’s offensive struggles and Ohio State’s offensive potential, the over on the total of 58.5 points may also be worth a look.
Our Picks:
- Ohio State -50.5
- Ohio State/Akron Over 58.5