No. 1 Ohio State brings its show across the country for a clash with undefeated Washington on Saturday afternoon.
The Buckeyes sent a message to the college football world in a 14-7 win over Texas in Week 1, but it’s been quiet in Columbus lately, as it’s been a while since the defending champs have faced a stiff opponent.
Washington, on the other hand, is not getting much respect despite a 3-0 start. Wins over Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State are not going to move the needle much.
But an upset against Ohio State? That’ll get tongues wagging about Washington being back to its 2023 form.
The Huskies are led by sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. The Arizona native has been terrific through three weeks, throwing for 778 yards with a 73.5 percent completion percentage. Williams has been just as dangerous with his legs, running for 220 yards and two scores.
Ohio State’s defense grades out as the second-best unit in the country, per SP+, but Williams will give them something to think about on each and every play.
Offensively, things can get better for the Buckeyes. The running game has been sparked by freshman Bo Jackson, while Julian Sayin has had good and bad moments.
Sayin got the job done against Texas, dominated Grambling, and then was uneven against Ohio.
It’s hard to project what version of Sayin we’ll get against the Huskies, who grade out as the 33rd-best unit in the country, per SP+, but we can surmise that Ohio State will want to give freshman Bo Jackson plenty of opportunity after a terrific showing against the Bobcats.
A more run-heavy approach from the Buckeyes should keep the clock moving, which does make it more difficult to cover a two-score spread against a stiff opponent.
Throw in the travel, a hostile environment and Williams’ ability to keep defenses honest, and you have the right ingredients for a play on the home underdog on Saturday.
The Play: Washington +8.5 (-110, FanDuel)
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.