Ohio State vs Notre Dame Opening Odds

Note: Since this is first game of the season for each program — and a game with intense national interest — most sportsbooks set the opening line weeks ago with OSU as a 14-point favorite. As we head into actual game week, it is now officially a three-score spread for the Buckeyes.

In Marcus We Trust

The early line movement surely says more about the hype CJ Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and TreVeyon Henderson are getting than doubts over the ability of Notre Dame’s new head coach Marcus Freeman to pull off a mammoth upset in his debut. But it’s worth noting that bettors are looking past Ohio State’s early hiccup against Oregon last year at the Horseshoe.

If Rees can scheme a fast-starting game plan — similar to the one former Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff engineered early last season on the road — there’s no reason to think this line could move back a bit.. Remember, the Bucks attempted three fourth-down conversions and missed on all three, giving UO momentum for its eventual upset. But if OSU head coach Ryan Day has the luxury of an early lead, there will be no reason for the home team to gamble early.

The Irish roster is very talented, but it’s not Ohio State-talented. Any odds movement back to the underdogs will be a belief that Freeman — in his debut — can outcoach Day.

Triplets Are Enticing

The public loves stars — and places its bets accordingly. And, boy, does Ohio State have stars. Quarterback Stroud,  wide receiver Smith-Njigba and running back Henderson are among 52 players on the preseason watch list for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, which is given annually to the best player in college football. Only OSU, Alabama and Georgia have three players on the list.

For what it’s worth, Notre Dame has one player — tight end Michael Mayer — on the list.

Meantime on defense, a reconstructed OSU defense features a pair of standouts — safety Ronnie Hickman and cornerback Denzel Burke — on the watch list for the Thorpe Award, given annually to the top defensive back in the country.

Hickman led the team in tackle last season while Burke is heading into a sophomore season with high expectations after impressing as a true freshman starter a year ago.

When it comes to names on the marquee, Ohio State handily beats Notre Dame. And that matters to bettors.

Ohio State vs Notre Dame Expected Line Movement 

As noted above, this line has already ballooned from 14 points to 17 points ahead of kickoff.  Barring an injury to a key player from either team in practice this week, the current line feels secure — unless bettors take note of this nugget.

#5 Notre Dame is a 17 point dog.

— Menace2Picks (@Menace2Picks) August 28, 2022

Way early lines from April had Ohio State installed as 10.5-point favorites! This one comes down to belief in Freeman’s perceived ability to outsmart a proven commodity vs. roster talent — which is unlikely to affect significant line fluctuation.