We are all aware that the Ohio State Buckeyes will win this game. The real headline to watch for is the return of Buckeyes’ wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming. According to Adam Rittenburg of ESPN, both standout playmakers should be back this week.
Good luck, Toledo.
Ohio State vs. Toledo Week 3 Picks & Prediction
Ohio State vs. Toledo Betting Odds, Per DraftKings
| Toledo Spread | +32.5 (-110) |
| Ohio State Spread | -32.5 (-110) |
| Over/Under | 61 |
| Location | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio |
| Time | 7:00 PM EST |
| TV | FOX |
Toledo Is Excellent On Defense … But Look At Their Competition
The Toledo Rockets are ranked as one of the top defenses in all of college football, allowing just 183 yards per game and 2.79 yards per play.
But—yes, there’s a but… Their success has come against opponents like Long Island and UMass… Not exactly the Ohio State Buckeyes.
To Toledo’s credit, the Rockets have a fine quarterback in Dequan Finn. He has averaged over 70 rushing yards a game this season, while scoring three rushing touchdowns. However, they’re a 32.5-point underdog against the Buckeyes for a reason.
Smith-Njigba Is Back
It’s been a rough go of it for the Buckeyes to start the season. They’re 2-0, but they’ve failed to cover the spread against either Notre Dame or Arkansas State. A big part of the Buckeyes’ struggles are due to the loss of Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the Notre Dame game. He and fellow wideout Julian Fleming should return this week, which will instantly boost the Ohio State offense.
Arkansas State was a great game for Fleming and Smith-Njigba to miss. With both stars back in the fold, this game against Toledo feels like an incoming slaughter. Ohio State can re-assert themselves as a dominant force in college football.
Toledo should score some points, but it will likely be during garbage time.
Ohio State vs. Toledo Prediction
Sometimes a game like this is like David vs. Goliath, but this one might be even more lopsided than that ancient myth. Ohio State ranks as the third overall team in the country, but they’re talked about for all the wrong reasons, relative to other powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia.
Smith-Njigba is ready to set himself up as a top NFL Draft pick this season. He’ll look to catch double-digit passes and be well into the triple digits for receiving yards.
Ohio State wins 52-14.
Best NCAAF Bet: Ohio State -32.5 (-110)
All statistics are courtesy of Pro Football Focus and NCAA.com.
