Posted on
10/5/2007 9:04:22 PM
NCAA Football Betting Trends - No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 23 Purdue Boilermakers
By Robby Maddux
NCAA football betting enthusiasts will be delivered a great game as the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (-7½) attempt to win their 24th consecutive regular-season game straight up when they take on the No. 23 Purdue Boilermakers (+7½) in a matchup of undefeated Big Ten teams Saturday evening in West Lafayette.
The Buckeyes and Boilermakers have met seven times when they have both been ranked in the top-25, with Ohio State holding a 4-2-1 straight up edge in those games.
Ohio State's 30-7 money-dropping win as the 24-point favorites over Minnesota last week on the road bumped them up four spots in the polls. Big Ten play has now yielded Ohio State an 18-5 ATS (against the spread) record in their last 23 conference games.
- Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
- Buckeyes are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in October.
- Buckeyes are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.
- Buckeyes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
The Buckeyes could struggle bettering those marks considering they are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings versus Purdue, and the home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six matchups.
The Buckeyes have been efficient on offense and rock-solid on defense this year. Offensively, Ohio State is putting up 35.8 points per game and 423.2 total yards.
The passing game, led by quarterback Todd Boeckman, is very balanced with the ground game. They have gained 1,076 yards through the air and 1,040 on the ground.
Boeckman has completed 69 percent (37-of-54) of his passes for 549 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception in his last 10 quarters.
Defensively, Ohio State is third in the nation allowing a very stingy 7.2 points per game and 197.6 yards.
The Boilermakers, who have the lowest ranking among undefeated teams in the poll, will be trying to start 6-0 straight up for the first time since 1943.
- Boilermakers are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Boilermakers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games in October.
- Boilermakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Purdue's 33-19 non-cover win over Notre Dame last week as the 21½-point favorites put them at 5-0 straight up and 2-1-1 ATS on year.
The Boilermakers Curtis Painter, who has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns this year, leads the offensive unit under center.
Purdues' defense hasn't surrendered a first-half touchdown since the season opener, but has allowed at least three in the second half the past three weeks. This makes the Boilermakers a juicy first half play at +4.
Ohio State leads the all-time series with Purdue 35-12-2. This is the first meeting between the two since Nov. 13, 2004, when the Boilermakers won 24-17 at home.
NCAA football odds list Ohio State the 7½-point favorites with a total of 52. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings between these Big Ten powerhouses.
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