Penn State vs. Ohio State Spread -18

The Penn State vs. Ohio State spread was set at -18 coming into Saturday afternoon’s game.  Some 70 percent of the spread betting action was on the Buckeyes while close to 75 percent of the total action was on the OVER 49.5.

Ohio State (8-1 straight-up, 7-2 against the spread) has crawled up to No. 9 in the BCS, but has a big hill to climb to win the Big Ten, especially with Wisconsin ranked No. 7, DonBest.com points out.        

They added that: “Ohio State has done its part since the Wisconsin game, beating Purdue 49-0 and Minnesota 52-10. OSU ‘covered’ both games and the ‘over’ went 2-0. Tressel didn’t purposely run up the score in either contest, but may have to think about this week if given the opportunity.”

Let’s check out some important betting trends coming into the Penn State vs. Ohio State game:

While there are a number of trends favoring the OVER when it comes to Penn State, the Nittany Lions are a mere 1-12 Against The Spread on the OVER as an underdog of 10.5 to 21 points since 1992.  Likewise, Penn State as an underdog is 17-34 since 1992.  An UNDER bet here might have some value, especially with the public all over the OVER.

Off a win against a conference rival, Penn State is 10-3 ATS.

In home games this season, Ohio State is 6-0 ATS.

After playing a conference game, Ohio State is 15-5 ATS over the past three seasons.

Ohio State has won three of the last four in this series outright.

The Nittany Lions are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog of 10.5 or greater and they are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog.  The Buckeyes are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a home favorite. (edge:  Ohio State)

The Buckeyes are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.

The Buckeyes are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.  The Nittany Lions are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com