Oregon State opens as heavy underdogs against Ohio State

Online sports book 5dimes has released their betting lines for the 2018 season openers, and to the surprise of no one, they give Oregon State little chance to upset the Buckeyes. While lines are obviously subject to change over the next 7.5 months the Beavs initially are 31 point underdogs to Urban Meyer’s crew.

The Buckeyes finished the 2017 season with just one loss and barely missed the college football playoff. They will return a host of experienced playmakers on both sides of the ball, even though they will be replacing 8 year starter JT Barrett who has finally exhausted his eligibility (Seriously.. I think Urban Meyer was coaching Utah when JT was a freshman).

Oregon State on the other hand will come in to Columbus with a new head coach looking to shake of the sting of a one win campaign in 2017. Oregon State will likely be returning starting QB Jake Luton as well as four offensive linemen and a handful of experienced receivers, while looking to replace the man, the myth, and the legend that is Ryan Nall. On the other side of the ball new defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar and the Beavs will have a new look defensive line and will need to replace Manase Hungalu at linebacker from a defense that ranked at the bottom of the Pac-12 in several categories. We will have more on the 2018 projected depth chart in the coming days.

Can the Beavs cover a massive spread in Columbus? Will Jonathan Smith shock the world in his first game as a head coach? Tell us your thoughts Beaver Nation.