Arkansas State vs. Ohio State Best Bets and Odds By CashBet Sportsbook

Certainly, Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones has paid his NCAAF bets dues.  Once upon a time, Jones was on the brink of a turnaround with the Tennessee Volunteers.  But Jones was fired after three straight bowl campaigns when his program collapsed.  He served as a special assistant at Alabama for Nick Saban.  That is where damaged coaching reputations are repaired.  Subsequently, Jones was desperate for a head coaching gig after three years as Saban’s valet.  He inherited a 4-7 Arkansas State team in 2021.  And he went 2-10 in his debut campaign.

Arkansas State at Ohio State CashBet Wagering Analysis

To be exact, Saturday’s sportsbook odds matchup between Arkansas State and Ohio State is a “paycheck game.”  Meaning that Arkansas State agreed to a big payday to get their head handed to them.  So, it seems, anyway.  Group of Five programs like Arkansas State can’t possibly match up against powerhouse programs like Ohio State.  But that is not the purpose of the meeting.  Arkansas State will get a massive payday that can fund its athletic program.  At the same time, Ohio State gets a guaranteed win.

Of course, gamblers question whether the Buckeyes can cover the huge number.  Oddsmakers know that the masses will line up for action on Ohio State.  And that casual gamblers will run for the tall grass to avoid Arkansas State.  Hence, the betting line that is priced far above what is merited.  All to chase away action from the Buckeyes.  Sportsbooks are begging gamblers to take those extra points on Arkansas State.  And not overloading the book with action on the Buckeyes.

Naturally, Arkansas State head coach But Jones is a tireless worker.  And there are signs that the Red Wolves are on the upswing.  However, a Saturday Betting on College Football game at Ohio State will not help the cause.

Red Wolves Rising?

Last year the Red Wolves bottomed out in Butch Jones’ debut season.  Their 2-10 record was the program’s lowest mark since 2001.  But Arkansas State inked one of the top recruiting hauls in the Sun Belt.  Thus there is hope for the future.  With the program in rebuilding mode, small signs of progress are needed for 2022.

Starting with an offense that ranked fifth in the Sun Belt in scoring and yards per play is a reason for hope.  As is the return of quarterback James Blackman.  Also back are receivers Jeff Foreman and Te’Vailance Hunt.  However, just one starter returns along a line that allowed 48 sacks and averaged 2.8 yards per carry.

The Red Wolves also need marked improvement on defense after a porous 2021 season.  The Red Wolves surrendered 38.6 points a game, ranked last in the Sun Belt against the run and in yards per play.  There’s major turnover at all three levels.  Additionally, Jones sought immediate improvement through the portal.

Buckeyes Tighten Up  

Last week the Ohio State Buckeyes earned a 21-10 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as 17-point home favorites.  The game went under the bet on NCAAF total of 58.5.  With its prolific offense bogged down, Ohio State leaned on its revamped defense.  At the same time, Heisman Trophy favorite CJ Stroud threw two touchdown passes.  Ohio State shut out Notre Dame over the final 42 minutes to score a high-profile win on national TV.

At the onset of the season were concerns regarding how quickly the Buckeyes would pick up their new defensive system.  Overall, the Bucks delivered the wood against the Irish.  Notre Dame managed just 253 yards and punted on their last six possessions.

Arkansas State at Ohio State CashBet Free Pick  

Of course, the Ohio State price is high.  But head coach Ryan Day will want a big offensive day after last week.  Look for the Bucks to spin the Betting on NCAAF dial.

Arkansas State at Ohio State CashBet Best Bet: 

Ohio State Buckeyes