Indiana vs. Ohio State Player Props: Big Ten Championship Prop Picks

In arguably the biggest matchup of championship weekend, my Indiana vs. Ohio State player props expect the Buckeyes' defense to continue its dominant play in the Big Ten Championship against the Hoosiers' Heisman favorite.

No. 1 Ohio State is a 4-point betting favorite against No. 2 Indiana for Saturday's 8 p.m. ET kickoff (FOX) from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. As part of our college football conference championship predictions, I'm fading the Heisman favorite and backing a pair of Buckeyes playmakers coming off major performances in The Game.

Indiana vs. Ohio State player prop bets

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Best Indiana vs. Ohio State player prop picks

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Fernando Mendoza player prop: Under 210.5 passing yards (-114) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes, Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman Trophy odds favorite, but taking on Ohio State's defense will be the toughest task of his collegiate career. The Buckeyes' entire starting 11 on defense will likely be drafted over the next two years, which is why they've been the best unit in the country this season.

With Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun leading Matt Patricia's secondary, the Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 in EPA per dropback and allow the fewest passing yards per game in the country (121.3). And in three matchups against ranked opponents, Ohio State is giving up just 160.3 passing yards per game, thanks to a defense ranked No. 1 by SP+ and full of first-round talent.

And for as impressive as Mendoza has been this season, he hasn't been nearly as productive away from Memorial Stadium, averaging 196.8 passing yards per game away from home. Backing the Buckeyes to hold another QB in check is my favorite player prop of my Indiana vs. Ohio State prediction, and if Patricia's defense comes through, a $10 bet pays an $8.77 profit.

Our Mike Spector has more on this game in his college football best bets.

Carnell Tate player prop: Over 71.5 receiving yards (-114) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

There was plenty of concern over Carnell Tate's health after he missed three games ahead of Ohio State's matchup with Michigan last week. But in his return to the field, the best big-play threat in the Big Ten didn't miss a beat. Tate took the top off the Wolverines' defense and scored on a 50-yard bomb from Julian Sayin.

And with the best wide receiver in college football (Jeremiah Smith) lined up opposite him, Tate should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities against Indiana. The Hoosiers have one of the best defenses in the country, but they haven't had to stop a playmaker like Tate before. He leads the Power Four in yards per route run (3.54) and is the only player in the country with a contested catch rate above 85% (min. 10 contested targets).

Between Tate's ability to create separation and win 50/50 balls, he should be a complete mismatch for Indiana, like he was for Michigan. Over his last five games, the Buckeyes' next first-round wide receiver is averaging 108.2 receiving yards per game. If he tops 71.5 receiving yards for the fifth time in six games, a $10 bet pays an $8.77 profit.

Best Indiana vs. Ohio State touchdown scorer prediction

Bo Jackson TD pick: Anytime TD (+125) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Early in the season, Ohio State's run game was on life support. However, freshman Lamar "Bo" Jackson has emerged in the back half of the year to become one of the best running backs in the country. And with a name like his, there was no way he was ever not going to ascend to star status.

With Jackson taking over as Ryan Day and Brian Hartline's clear lead back over the last five games, he's bound to get the majority of the carries against Indiana. The freshman is coming off a career-high 22 carries against Michigan and has averaged 16.6 carries for 103.8 rushing yards per game since the beginning of November. That includes scoring three touchdowns in his last three games.

With our best college football betting sites pricing both of Ohio State's star receivers, Tate and Smith, at minus-money, Jackson is the best value to score against a ferocious Indiana defense. If he does find the end zone for the seventh time this season, a $10 bet pays a $12.50 profit.

Our Mike Spector is also backing Jackson to find the end zone in his Indiana vs. Ohio State anytime touchdown scorer predictions.

Indiana vs. Ohio State anytime touchdown scorer odds

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How to watch Indiana vs. Ohio State: Big Ten Championship

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
• TV: FOX