2021 Ohio State Buckeyes Team Preview, Odds, and Predictions

The Ohio State Buckeyes finished the season with a 7-1 record, with a perfect 6-0 record in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes season was limited to only eight games due to the Big Ten reducing the games because of Covid-19. This resulted in us only seeing the Buckeyes in a small capacity, as all their out-of-conference games were canceled. Still, the Buckeyes went on to win the Big Ten Championship against Northwestern.

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The Buckeyes went to the College Football Playoffs, where they met the Clemson Tigers and defeated them 49-28 to advance to the National Championship. To the dismay of the Buckeyes, this is where the team was derailed by a ferocious Alabama Crimson Tide team who pummelled Ohio State, 52-24. Although the season ended in a National Championship loss, you could count the 2020 season as a success for Head Coach Ryan Day’s second year.

2021 Ohio State Buckeyes Futures Betting Odds

Ohio State Buckeyes National Championship Odds: +500

Ohio State Buckeyes Conference Championship Odds: -167

Ohio State Buckeyes Win Total Odds: Over 11 (-125) vs. Under 11 (+100)

College Football Betting Lines

The Buckeyes are already a team worth keeping an eye on to win the National Championship this year, coming in as the third most likely team to win. Slightly behind powerhouses Alabama and Clemson, it’s clear that sportsbooks aren’t worried about the players Ohio State has lost in the offseason. This is primarily due to coaching and recruiting, as the Buckeyes have a great head coach heading into his third year with a record of 23-2.

They’re also the favorite to take the conference at -167, and barring a complete meltdown, the Buckeyes will likely take the Big 10 again. The remainder of the Big 10 teams have much left to develop before they start contending with the Buckeyes. Ohio State made easy work of their Big 10 counterparts, so if you’re looking for a great futures bet, take the Buckeyes -167 to win the Big 10.

2021 Ohio State Buckeyes Offseason Grade: B+

Key Additions: (QB, Quinn Ewers) (OLB, C. J. Hicks) (WR, Caleb Burton)

Key Departures: (QB, Justin Fields) (OL, Wyatt Davis) (LB, Pete Werner)

Perhaps the most interesting storyline we’ll see once the season starts is how the quarterback competition plays out. After losing a talent like Justin Fields to the NFL Draft, filling the quarterback position is the number one concern for the Buckeyes. It seems, as of now, that CJ Stroud will get the start at quarterback. Stroud was a star recruit a few years ago but hasn’t thrown a pass in a college football game, and neither has his competition.

This is the only glaring problem with the Buckeyes heading into this season, but the good news is that they’ll have a strong receiving corps regardless of who’s at quarterback. Superstar wide receiver Chris Olave has decided to return for his senior year instead of going into the draft. This gives the starting quarterback- likely Stroud – a dangerous deep threat. Ohio State is all about offense. With Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson as wide receivers, whoever makes the start at QB will be just fine.

Ohio State Buckeyes Preview 2021

The Buckeyes have a hurdle to get over in terms of losing QB Justin Fields, but that should work itself out before the season starts. Both options at quarterback have the ability to lead Ohio State through the Big 10 and into the College Football Playoffs. When talking about the 2022 National Championship, though, the Buckeyes will need another year with their quarterback to achieve that.

Expert College Football Predictions

Ohio State Buckeyes Futures Best Bets

This is a great time to take the Buckeyes at -167 to win the Big 10. There isn’t a team in the conference more ready to win than Ohio State. At +500 to win the National Championship, you’d likely be better off taking Oklahoma at +700 than the Buckeyes at this moment.

The win total odds would look better if it was over 10 games but if you’re looking for a riskier bet, take the under 11. The Buckeyes have a game on the road against Indiana and finish it on the road against Michigan. With an inexperienced quarterback, two losses aren’t uncommon in their first season as a starter.