Ohio State vs Northwestern 2018 Big Ten Championship Odds & Pick

Neither Ohio State nor Northwestern looks like a College Football Playoff-caliber team this season. Yes, Ohio State is 11-1 on the regular season, but they had a hard time fighting off an awful Nebraska team, and they permitted 51 points to a Maryland team that had lost at home this season to Temple. They were taken to the woodshed by Purdue on the road. They did demolish Michigan in their annual rivalry game, making it seven straight over the Wolverines, but the inconsistencies on both sides of the ball make the Buckeyes vulnerable. Then there is Northwestern, which comes in at 8-4, winners of seven of their last eight to make it to the first Big Ten Championship game in school history. They lost their conference opener to Michigan but won the last seven, most recently beating Illinois, 24-16, last week. They did lose at home to Duke and (gasp) Akron. They lost to Notre Dame — but only by 10. Can Northwestern carry off what would be a major upset? Or will Ohio State win another Big Ten title? Peruse our NCAAF betting preview of this conference title game.

Ohio State vs Northwestern 2018 Big Ten Championship Odds & Pick

TWO 👏 MORE 👏 DAYS Since we can’t wait either, we’ve got your preview of the #B1GFCG here: pic.twitter.com/SAN6fHJDEt

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 29, 2018

When: Saturday, November 1, 2018, 8:00pm ET Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis TV: FOX Radio: Ohio State IMG Sports Network / Northwestern Sports Network Live Stream: Fox Sports GO NCAAF Odds: Ohio State -14 O/U 57

Why should you bet on the Buckeyes?

A win in the conference championship would give Ohio State its ninth title since 2002 and, depending on what happens with Oklahoma and Georgia in their conference title games, could vault Ohio State into the fourth slot (or even higher, should Clemson stumble against Pitt in the ACC title game). So there’s a lot on the line yet, thanks in large part to the historical reputation that Ohio State has built as a program. The Buckeyes have won seven of their last eight games away from Ohio Stadium, and quarterback Dwayne Haskins has put up big numbers this year, throwing for 4,047 yards and 41 scores against just seven picks. The ground game has been productive as well, as J.K. Dobbins has led the team with 961 yards and eight scores. The defense has been the issue; while the team has permitted a respectable 25.8 points per game, some of those wins over cupcakes have compensated for other games in which Ohio State has permitted 40 or 50 points. Ohio State has covered in seven of their last nine games played at a neutral site but just twice in their last eight games overall. In their last five games as a double-digit favorite, the Buckeyes have not covered a single time. It is true that Ohio State rounded into form nicely against Michigan, but the consistency of the Buckeye team is a major concern. Ohio State could roll up a bunch of points on Northwestern, and if you like them here, you see them just turning the game into a track meet.

Why should you put your money on the Wildcats?

It’s been 18 years since Northwestern last won a Big Ten title, but the winning streak they are on now has them poised to do just that. Winners of seven of eight and winners of nine straight games away from home, the Wildcats have shown terrific resiliency down the stretch. Quarterback Clayton Thorson has been serviceable, throwing for 2,675 yards and 14 scores — but also a dozen picks. His top picks have been Cameron Green (46 catches), Bennett Skowronek and Flynn Nagel, both of whom have combined for five touchdown catches. Tailback Isaiah Bowser leads the running game with 736 yards and six touchdowns. The defense has been adequate as well, holding opponents to 21.7 points per contest. Northwestern has covered in 20 of their last 26 Big Ten contest and in three of their last five overall. However, they have covered just once in their last six contests against Ohio State. Their defense has been stiffer lately, as they have permitted no more than 17 points in five of their last six contests. In their last 13 games as a double-digit dog, they have covered 10 times. When it comes to beating the spread, Northwestern has built a fairly solid resume, so even if you think Ohio State can waltz out with the win, the Wildcats have an excellent chance to keep things close. Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction Ohio State reminds me a lot of Clemson a year ago, living on the edge, week in and week out, until the bottom falls out. We saw that happen against Purdue already this year, and the issues on defense for Ohio State have not gone away just because of one solid game. I see the Buckeyes winning but the Wildcats covering, with a final score of Ohio State 31, Northwestern 27.