Vegas Big Ten Predictions
No. 5 Ohio State at Navy (Baltimore)
Line: Ohio State by 16.5
Scarlet and Game
This is a more intriguing matchup than you might think. Ohio State is obviously dealing with the loss of Braxton Miller and has to start J.T. Barrett. Urban Meyer’s fast-paced quick-attack spread offense faces a pretty decent test against a team that has returning starters everywhere on defense and likes to control the clock. And this is a road game, so Ohio State could struggle a lot more than you might think. The best test will be for the new offensive linemen that Ohio State has starting, replacing almost everybody, against an experienced Navy defensive line. Another test will be to see how the front seven against the Navy Triple-Option. Trust me, this is no gimme.
Navy returns a team loaded with experience and talent all over the field and committed to its triple option attack. Unlike Ohio State, there are actually no questions about this team. We know exactly what they are and what they can do, and they can expose anybody who’s not ready for it. With that in mind, Navy will look to control the clock against the Buckeyes and limit their opportunities, which could keep the Ohio State offense out of rhythm.
Prediction
Fortunately for Ohio State, the biggest weakness of this team is a pathetic pass defense, and that won’t be a problem against Navy. Everywhere else, Navy has all the makings to give the Buckeyes a rough game, but without the ability to exploit the team’s biggest weakness, they won’t be able to do it for long. This game could be close by halftime, but it’ll be over by the third quarter.
Ohio State: 31 Navy: 14