Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio State Buckeyes
Saturday, 10/23/2010, 12:00 PM EST, TV: Big Ten Network
Opening Point Spread: Ohio State -23
Current Betting Line: Ohio State -23.5
Opening Total: 47.5
Current Total: 47
Purdue is looking to win three consecutive Big Ten contests for the first time since 2006, as the program captured back-to-back victories over Northwestern and Minnesota. The Boilermakers have been dealing with numerous injuries during the early part of the season, but stand at 4-2 at the halfway point. “More people are stepping up every practice and every game,” defensive tackle Kawann Short said. “As we keep going, everybody is contributing.” A 1-5 Purdue team shocked the world with a 26-18 upset over the seventh-ranked Buckeyes at Ross-Ade Stadium last year, defeating a ranked opponent for the first time since 2003 and snapping Ohio State’s Big Ten road win streak at 16 straight. The team limited OSU to 287 yards of total offense and only 12 first downs. Purdue is 2-0 ATS versus conference opponents this season and 9-6 ATS in its last 15 Big Ten games.
The Boilermakers offense is being led by a rushing attack that will attempt to rush for 200 yards in a sixth-straight contest. Senior tailback Dan Dierking had a career-high 126 yards in last week’s win over the Gophers, leading the team to 200 or more yards in five consecutive games for the first time since 1973. “I have to give credit to the offensive coaches,” Dierking said. “They’ve come up with some great game plans.” Purdue may be able to push the Buckeyes around a bit after they gave up 184 yards rushing to Wisconsin, the most they’ve given up in 20 games. The only problem is the Boilers have managed only 51.3 yards per game on the ground in the last three meetings.
Ohio State lasted just a week on top of the college football polls due to suffering a 31-18 loss at Wisconsin. The Buckeyes were targeting a sixth straight conference championship and potential trip to the national championship, but now must focus on their remaining five Big Ten games. Despite the loss, OSU still leads the conference in turnover margin (+1.43), forcing 18 and committing just eight. The team is also tops in the conference in scoring 39.6 points per game and is first in total defense with just 251.1 yards per game surrendered. Over its last 44 Big Ten Conference games, the Buckeyes have posted a dominating 39-5 record. Ohio State is 5-0 ATS in home games this year and 2-0 ATS over the last three years after suffering a conference loss.
The Buckeyes have a tremendous hole to fill if they wish to remain with just one loss for the remainder of the season, as the specials team unit ranks 111th in the country in punt return average against and 92nd in kickoffs. Ohio State hasn’t had any trouble in the scoring area this season, going 35-for-38 (.920), which is the sixth-best percentage in the nation. Head coach Jim Tressel has posted a 19-2 record after Ohio State’s last 21 losses and the program will look to improve upon its 64-19-5 homecoming record on Saturday.
Bettors may be quick to play the Boilermakers and their 15-5-1 ATS mark in their last 21 games as an underdog of 10.5 or more points. Ohio State’s 18-7-1 ATS record following a loss must be respected, especially when playing with revenge. Maddux Sports has crushed the college football oddsmakers this season and have released a 20 unit play early for this weeks Saturday card. Maddux Sports is a prefect 100% on 20 unit college football releases and will nail another one this Saturday. Visit the college football sports picks page to get signed up for this winner.
