Ohio State Opens As Big Favorite Against Western Kentucky

The Ohio State Buckeyes are favored by at least 20 points for the third-straight time to begin the season and are 0-2 against the spread in 2023.

Las Vegas has overlooked what AP Top 25 Poll voters see in the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ohio State's first two wins have been characterized as having "clunky" offense and "disappointing," respectively, but it is favored by 26 against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Saturday, according to Circa Sports. The total is set at 60.5 — one of six games with an over/under of at least 60 points.

The Buckeyes are 0-2 against the spread, failing to cover a 30-point margin against the Indiana Hoosiers and not eclipsing a 45.5-point spread against the Youngstown State Penguins. Both of Ohio State's games have gone under its 59 and 56 totals as well.

Western Kentucky is 1-1 against the spread and on over/under. The Hilltoppers outscored South Florida 24-7 in the second half of their season opener to cover 13.5 points.

Though the Buckeyes don't realize it while chasing perfection, they've won both of their first two games by a combined score of 58-10 and are on pace to outscore their opponents by nearly 300 points this season.

Ohio State's defense is tied for second in scoring defense and fourth in total defense, joining Air Force as the only two programs that are top five in both categories.

Western Kentucky's offense is still its potent self, averaging 46.5 points and 449 yards per game headlined by quarterback Austin Reed. The St. Augustine Beach, Florida, native had 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns last season and has already accounted for eight this season — six through the air and two on the ground.

The Buckeyes and Hilltoppers kick off at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The game will be broadcast on FOX.