Youngstown State Penguins vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 1
Ohio State scored 83 and still lost to BYU, while Youngstown State went on the road and beat St. Bonaventure behind 26 points from Linus Holmstrom.
The Matchup
Youngstown State is 1-0 after winning 79-71 at St. Bonaventure. Ohio State is 0-1 after losing 94-83 to BYU. Last season Ohio State scored 79.3 points per game and allowed 72.6, while Youngstown State scored 78.0 and allowed 73.1. Those baselines sit closer than the names suggest, and the openers cut both ways: Youngstown State won at St. Bonaventure, Ohio State lost to a ranked BYU team.
Holmstrom was the story of Youngstown State's opener, with 26 points and 8 rebounds at St. Bonaventure. Kelvin Amoako added 14 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Penguins a frontcourt that scored and rebounded on the road. Ohio State had its own bright spots in defeat. Amare Bynum scored 20 points against BYU, John Mobley Jr. added 14 points and 7 assists, and Andrija Jelavic had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
The Schottenstein Center in Columbus will expect a response from Ohio State. Youngstown State, an in-state visitor, will not be intimidated by the trip after already winning away from home.
Key Factors
Ohio State's defense is the opening. The Buckeyes allowed 94 points to BYU after allowing 72.6 per game last season, and Youngstown State scored 79 on the road with four players doing real work. A favorite that cannot get stops has to keep scoring for 40 minutes to cover 25.5, and any cold stretch brings the underdog back inside the number.
Size helps Youngstown State stay in it. Amoako's double double and Holmstrom's rebounding give the Penguins second chances and a way to slow Ohio State's transition. The total is 155.5, so points are expected, and a high scoring game with a live underdog offense is exactly where a big spread gets fragile late.
The honest counterpoint is Ohio State's talent at home. Bynum scored efficiently against BYU, Mobley creates for everyone, and if the Buckeyes defend like last season's team instead of their opener, they can turn this into the blowout the spread expects.
Youngstown State just won on the road with balanced scoring and real size inside, and Ohio State gave up points in bunches in its opener. The Buckeyes should win in Columbus, but this number is a lot to ask. Take the points with Youngstown State Penguins +25.5 at -108.
Game Information
| Date | Friday (11/6) |
|---|---|
| Start Time | 5:30 PM CT |
| How to Watch | B1G+ |
| Venue | Schottenstein Center, Columbus |
| Spread | Ohio State Buckeyes -25.5 |
| Total | 155.5 |
| Moneyline | Ohio State Buckeyes -10,000 |
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