Betting: Will Ohio State cover -14 at Minnesota?
Pamela Maldonado gives her pick for the Big Ten season opening game between No. 4 Ohio State vs. Minnesota.
Video Transcript
PAMELA MALDONADO: It's week one of college football and you know who's excited? This girl. Pam Maldonado here to give you a betting preview into Ohio State minus-14 at the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Let's look first at the quarterbacks. The Buckeyes, they have a freshman starter in CJ Stroud who could very well be the next best thing. Stroud has zero career passing attempts. This will be the first time that the Buckeyes have a quarterback with zero experience since 1952.
Looking at Minnesota's quarterback in Tanner Morgan, I think we could see 2019 numbers where he had over 3,200 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. And why do I think he can replicate 2019 and skip over 2020? Because Minnesota, they were hit hard by COVID. They had 20-plus players out each week.
For Minnesota, they have a stud in Mohamed Ibrahim. He played in seven games last season and in all seven did Ibrahim rush for 100-plus yards. Two games he rushed for 200 yards or more.
What will Ohio State be lacking? A run defense. The Buckeyes lose their top four linebackers all to the NFL and now you have to face Ibrahim on the road with an inexperienced quarterback. I smell trouble.
Looking at the passing defense, with Minnesota having an experienced quarterback, returning two of their top three wide receivers, playing at home, Minnesota could definitely be a threat. Give me the Golden Gophers at plus-14. PJ Fleck, let's row that boat.
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