College Football Betting Lines – Ohio State Will Be Tested By Miami Hurricanes

The Ohio State Buckeyes destroyed Marshall in their season opener, and they better hope they can carry all that momentum in to their matchup against the Miami Hurricanes. They’re moderately strong favorites on the college football betting line with an -8.5 point spread, but it’s not like the Canes don’t have some steam of their own to show off.

Miami proved exactly why they deserved to be in the AP Top-25 when they decimated Florida A&M 45-0 in a shutout victory that easily cleared the college football betting line. Jacory Harris began his longshot Heisman campaign with 210 yards and 3 touchdowns with zero picks and 12-of-15 completions. In fact, Miami’s first three scores were all passing touchdowns by Harris and after that they simply handed the reigns to their rushing game which gained 155 yards on the ground and two scores.

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Ohio State notched 45 points of their own in a rout of Marshall, though they did have a field goal blocked that was returned for a touchdown. What should bolster their hopes for their betting backers is the fact that the Buckeyes are 5-0 SU at home stretching back to last year.

However, Miami won’t be outdone in this game. You can mark my words on that. They’re carrying a 4-2 SU road record in to this season from last year, and still realize they have plenty to prove to the pollsters and the college football betting community.

#2 Ohio State (1-0) vs. #12 Miami Hurricanes (1-0)

Saturday, September 11th — Ohio Stadium — 3:40pm EST

College Football Betting Lines: Ohio State -8.5 (45)

What hangs over this game, however, is their last meeting dating back to the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State staged a huge upset over Miami, which was one of the best assemblies of college football stars in history. It marked the ascension of Ohio State to the elite stage of college football programs, and sent Miami in to a tailspin during the Larry Coker era.

Miami will look to reverse their fortunes and turn the tide of both programs with an upset victory, and quite frankly they have all the tools to do so. Ohio State’s defense has to stop the run and add pressure to Jacory Harris to ensure the victory, even though this incredible offense can wreak havoc on the scoreboard.

Since Terrelle Pryor is an early contender for the 2010 Heisman trophy, he can’t afford any slip ups early in the season. Miami’s defense is built on speed, but Pryor has been a constant hazard when his protection breaks down. As a freakish athlete, Pryor’s speed and mobility can keep plays alive and gas the Miami Hurricanes as they try to hunt him down on defense.

I love betting dogs on college football betting lines as much as anyone, but the single factor that terrifies me about this game is Jacory Harris’s bad habit of throwing picks. There’s no possible way you can be encouraged by his dismantling of a team like Florida A&M. In fact, the one guy who could haunt him is Brian Rolle, the younger brother of NFL standout and former Hurricane Antrel Rolle.

Pryor isn’t the only reason that Ohio State is favored. They have a staunch defense that will pressure Harris all day long. Be warned, however. Harris’s high interception rate wasn’t necessarily due to his indecision or inability – the Hurricanes fearlessly threw the ball downfield in an attempt to keep their slim BCS hopes alive.

Harris is maturing and growing in this game just like his quarterback counterpart in this game.

While Ohio State will win this game, I think this college football line is too high. Miami won’t let a chance to surge in to the top-10 pass them by without a fight, and a talented and athletic offense will keep them in this fight until the final whistle blows. The win goes to Ohio State, but the smart money is on Miami to cover the college football line of -8.5. Simply put, don’t sleep on Jacory Harris.

Furious College Football Pick – Miami +8.5 (OVER)