Ohio State Buckeyes 2019 college football betting preview

2018 record: 13-1 2018 Big Ten record: 8-1 Key additions: QB Justin Fields, DE Zach Harrison Key losses: DE Nick Bosa, QB Dwayne Haskins, WR Parris Campbell

Overview

The 2018 Ohio State Buckeyes were maybe the most controversial omission from the College Football Playoff in its brief existence. As Big Ten champions, many around the country were shocked that they didn't receive an invitation. Ohio State finished the season 11-1 overall and were 6-7 against the spread.

Gone is starting quarterback Dwayne Haskins. So too are starting offensive linemen Isaiah Prince and Michael Jordan. Key offensive weapons are gone too, with running back Mike Weber and wide receivers Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin now in the NFL. And perhaps most notably, head coach Urban Meyer is gone from Columbus as well. The highest drafted player from the entire roster was Nick Bosa, but after leaving early in the season against TCU, I don't expect his loss to be felt as noticeably as the offensive pieces.

Will Ohio State have enough talent stepping up in 2019 to make up for the tremendous amount that left in the draft? Of its returning players, there is plenty to work with, and at quarterback hopes are high that Georgia transfer Justin Fields can step in and immediately keep the offensive output at the status quo. Another former five-star recruit, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, will get the opportunity to earn a third-receiver starting spot. On the defensive side of the ball, Chase Young will get the glory, but true freshman Zach Harrison was a prized recruit who may be able to contribute right off the bat.

There are also plenty of former highly touted recruits who have seen minimal playing time thus far through their careers but are going to step into larger roles in 2019. On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Chris Olave showed what he is capable of against Michigan, while on the defensive side, Jeff Okudah and Shaun Wade could end up being the next great Ohio State defensive backs in the draft. The progression of players like these will be key to Ohio State's season.

College Football Playoff odds: +1400

Of the two contenders in the Big Ten, Ohio State is most prepared to make a title run. The Buckeyes have a higher ceiling if Fields can live up to expectations.

With Tate Martell transferred to Miami, any quarterback options beyond Fields are question marks. If Fields stays healthy, his skill set appears to match well with what Ohio State's offense has done for years under Meyer and is expected to continue under coach Ryan Day.

Regular Seasons Wins: 10

Regardless of whether Fields is capable of leading Ohio State all the way to the championship, Over 10 wins seems like a great bet for this loaded roster. The Buckeyes could easily be favored in every game, and it's hard to envision Ohio State losing three of those.

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