#1 Texas vs #3 Ohio State Predictions

[SBR Andy]

The headliner game of college football Week 1 features #1 Texas at #3 Ohio State in a rematch of last year's CFP semi-final which Ohio State won 28-14.

Who are you guys going with for this marquee matchup?

Share your predictions below!

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Andy, give me Texas here. Ohio St has a freshman QB starting along with new offensive and defensive coordinators. It would not shock me if Ohio St won regardless but the 3 things I mentioned are an uphill battle going into the opening game of the season.

[SBR Andy]

Andy, give me Texas here. Ohio St has a freshman QB starting along with new offensive and defensive coordinators. It would not shock me if Ohio St won regardless but the 3 things I mentioned are an uphill battle going into the opening game of the season.

Agreed. I am on Texas ML (+110).

[SBR Andy]

SBR's Mike Spector shares his Texas vs Ohio State early prediction:

Texas Moneyline (+106 FanDuel)

"I was always inclined to back the Longhorns to win outright with my early predictions of Texas vs. Ohio State, but opting for their moneyline odds makes more sense than the point spread if no +3s ever reappear.

Though Ohio State beat Texas 28-14 on a neutral field in the CFP semifinals last season, several of its most impactful playmakers have graduated, transferred, or are now in the NFL (the Buckeyes had 14 players drafted from last year’s team).

There are too many unknowns for the Buckeyes. I do not expect Sayin to start slinging it all over the field against a Longhorns defense that returns 62% of its production from last year (ranks 31st), and which is projected to finish in the top two in Defensive SP+ for the second straight season.

Ohio State also has a new offensive coordinator in Brian Hartline and a new left tackle in Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa, who PFF graded as the 170th-best tackle last season.

Texas has much more stability entering this season, especially with Heisman Trophy favorite Arch Manning under center. Texas’ moneyline will remain my top play, but I will also hedge some on its point spread if the line ever gets back to +3 or higher before kickoff."

[SBR Andy]

SBR's Rob Paul likes the Buckeyes here:

Ohio State -1.5 (-112 DraftKings)

"Ohio State is No. 1 in SP+ as it gets set to defend its national title with a team led by arguably the best offensive (Jeremiah Smith) and defensive player (Caleb Downs) in the country. And while Julian Sayin is inexperienced, Manning is making his first-ever start against a team ranked higher than No. 98 in SP+ on defense - the Buckeyes are No. 3."