Ohio State vs. Utah Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds

Ohio State vs. Utah Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Utah Utes - Rose Bowl

Spread: Ohio State -4

Total: 64

Date: Saturday, January 1

Game time: 5:00 p.m. ET

Where to Watch: ESPN

Ohio State vs. Utah odds

Ohio State vs. Utah Prediction

It is time for The Granddaddy of Them All, the Rose Bowl!

This has always been my favorite bowl game since I was a kid, so I was fired up to write about this game today! The Utah Utes battle against the Ohio State Buckeyes in this classic bowl game matchup.

The Utes come into this one as winners of the Pac-12 to the surprise of many. After a bad start to the season, this team quickly turned things around and positioned themselves with a chance for a Rose Bowl win. The Utes beat Oregon twice and look to stay hot here tonight against a big-time Ohio State program.

For Ohio State, they come into this game most likely disappointed not to compete for a National Championship. This is a great team, and coming into the season their expeditions were to make the College Football Playoff. The game may not mean as much to Ohio State as it does Utah, and the Buckeyes will be without some star power in this one as wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson opted out.

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We have seen this in the past when big-named teams play these games. They lay an egg and are not as prepared, but time will tell how Ohio State comes out in this one. The Buckeyes are still sitting as a 4.5-point favorite despite the opt-outs of some stars. 

The play I am turning to here is one we may all have to sweat a little bit because this is typically one of the best offenses in the nation. Ohio State's first-half team total under 17.5 looks good to me and let me tell you why this is a great play.

First of all, Ohio State is missing their two best weapons in Olave and Wilson. These two guys make up for almost half of Ohio State's receiving yards and touchdowns. CJ Stroud is a great young QB, but this will be an adjustment playing without two guys who he's relied on all season. The game script to me suggests Ohio State may struggle early to put together first downs and look to run often, which means the clock will be moving. This is also a plus defense in Utah, allowing just 20.6 points per game. I am willing to take this first half under and fade the world here. I believe we cash this one in fairly easily and continue to roll into the new year! 

Ohio State vs. Utah Pick

• PICK: Ohio State 1H TT UNDER 17.5 (-135)