Rutgers vs Ohio State Odds, Pick
| Rutgers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 134.5 -115o / -105u | +340 |
| Ohio State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
8.5 -110 | 134.5 -115o / -105u | -450 |
Below, we have college basketball odds and a pick for Rutgers vs. Ohio State.
Big Ten play continues on Wednesday Night as Ohio State hosts Rutgers at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. This game was an instant classic last season, as Ohio State emerged with a one-point victory after trailing by three points with seven seconds remaining in the game.
This year's game should be different, as Ohio State is the heavy favorite at home. While the Buckeyes' season fell apart after last year's victory, this year's team has the look of an NCAA Tournament team and potentially a Big Ten contender. Roddy Gayle Jr. and Bruce Thornton combine to form one of the most potent guard duos in the country, and they have scorers alongside them in Jamison Battle and Zed Key.
For Rutgers, it starts and ends with defense. Steve Pikiell's teams are always tough defensively and this year's version is no different. Anchored by Cliff Omoruyi down low, Rutgers likes to win ugly. And they have to, as their offense is a major weakness this season.
You never know what will happen in conference play. Both teams could really use a win as the calendar turns to January. Let's dive in for a closer look at the matchup.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers' defense is as-advertised this season. The Scarlet Knights have one of the best defenses in the country, ranking 16th nationally in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency.
The major reason why is their big man down low. Omoruyi is a shot-blocking extraordinaire, helping Rutgers to the sixth-best block rate in the country. Teams shoot just 42% from two-point range against Rutgers, and Omoruyi's ability to block or alter shots is the major reason why.
Offensively, it is a much different story. Rutgers struggles to score from all levels. The Scarlet Knights make just 29% of their attempts from deep, 45% of their shots from inside the arc and 64% of their shots from the free throw line.
Between Derek Simpson and Gavin Griffiths, Rutgers has personnel that can get hot any given night, but collectively those hot shooting nights have come few and far between.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State closed November looking like one of the most improved teams in all of college basketball. After suffering a losing record last season and limping to the finish line with 19 losses, the Buckeyes started the year 8-1 with a very impressive win over Alabama in that span.
Since then, it has not always been as easy. The Buckeyes have narrowly avoided disaster a few times, including blowing a 14-point lead in their latest win over West Virginia and needing overtime to seal the deal.
Ohio State's prestigious freshman class has yet to contribute significantly, which is a surprise on paper. It has been the veterans — Key, Battle and Evan Mahaffey — who have stepped up alongside Gayle and Thornton's production in the backcourt.
Ohio State is 7-1 at home this season, but just 1-1 against Top 100 opponents with a win over Minnesota and a loss to Texas A&M.
Rutgers vs. Ohio State
Betting Pick & Prediction
While Ohio State should have enough to get the win here, this feels like too many points. Rutgers' elite defense is enough to make this game interesting.
Ohio State has let worse teams hang around, including home wins over Oakland by six points and the West Virginia win in overtime. Take Rutgers to cover.
Pick: Rutgers +9.5
When betting Rutgers vs. Ohio State, register with Action Network's DraftKings promo code today for a sign-up offer.
