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Big Ten Predictions: Week 8 picks against the spread

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) carries the ball in the fourth quarter as Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) defend at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015
  • Time: 8:00 PM Eastern
  • Location: Piscataway, NJ
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Spread: Ohio State -21
  • Over/Under Total:

Note: There’s no over/under posted yet for this game. 

Ohio State is good, there’s no way around it. And now, with J.T. Barrett named as the official starter, the Buckeyes have the chance to be more consistent. I was in Columbus last Saturday night to witness the speed and power of the three-headed monster known as Barrett, Braxton Miller and Ezekiel Elliott. While the Buckeyes were racking up 315 rushing yards on the stout Penn State defense I had no choice but to sit and watch in awe.

Miller looks faster now than he ever did as a quarterback and Elliott can’t even be brought down when four defenders are hanging on his back. The Buckeyes are dominant on offense and will be a tough out for any opponent.

Fast forward to this week, and with Barrett, the team will be even better. He accounted for four touchdowns last week (two rushing and two passing) and just looks like the better quarterback, and it’s not even close. The time of interchanging him with Cardale Jones has to be done.

The Buckeyes also shine on defense, led by defensive lineman Joey Bosa, who could potentially be the first pick taken in this year’s draft.

Ohio State’s opponent this week is Rutgers, a team that just put up 55 points on an awful Indiana defense. Leonte Carroo looks like the best wide receiver in the country and is now working on back-to-back three-touchdown games.

A night game at Rutgers always means that the crowd will be loud and fired up. However, the top-ranked team in the land has that ranking for a reason. This game could be close early, but the Buckeyes will wear down the Scarlet Knights in the second half.

This is a large spread, but don’t be scared off. Give the points and take the Buckeyes in a blowout.

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