The Buffalo Bulls will face their most difficult test of the season early this afternoon as they face No. 2 Ohio State at the Horseshoe in Columbus. Today's season opener between the Bulls and Buckeyes is scheduled to kickoff at Noon on ESPN2. College Football Point Spreads Week 1 at 5Dimes have Ohio State listed as a heavy -34 against the spread home favorite; the Over/Under is set at 55.5 points. The Bulls are drawing a +11000 money line ($100 wins $11000) while the Buckeyes are a -33000 straight up selection ($33000 wins $100).
Buffalo is no stranger to opening against big time competition having stepped out of its comfort each of the past two years. The Bulls played as a 30 point week one road dog at Pittsburgh in 2011 and they were lined as a 38 point underdog last season when they opened their schedule in Athens, Georgia against the Bulldogs.
Buffalo did not prevail in either of those games, but covered the spread on each occasion, losing 16-35 to Pitt and 23-45 to Georgia. Given the teams returning experience (16 starters and 54 lettermen are back), it stands a decent chance at doing the same this afternoon.
Ohio State is a huge test, though, as Urban Meyer's squad enters the season with BCS title aspirations. The Buckeyes were suspended from postseason play last year, but they posted an unblemished 12-0 regular season record, earning wins over ranked foes in Michigan State, Nebraska, and Michigan.
Nonetheless, the Buckeyes were not a brilliant team against the number, going 7-5 versus the spread, including a 4-4 mark as a home favorite.
There is the saying about there being no moral victories in sports, but the Bulls would probably feel pretty good about themselves if they can stay within two touchdowns of Ohio State today. That would be a commendable achievement, but not a completely stunning one.
The Buckeyes have experienced the occasional struggle against mid-major programs over the past few years, edging Navy 31-27 in 2009 (22 point favorite), Toledo 27-22 in 2011 (17 point favorite), and Central Florida 31-16 last year (18 point favorite).
Buffalo vs Ohio State College Football Point Spreads Week 1:
Buffalo Bulls +35 (-110), Over 56 (-110), +11000 (Moneyline)
Ohio State Buckeyes -35 (-110), Under 56 (-110), -33000 (Moneyline)
College Football Free Picks: BYU at Virginia Betting
What college football bettors need to know about BYU Cougars at Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday (8/31/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson with host Marco D'Angelo.
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!