Ohio U Bobcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Prediction - September 13, 2025
It’s a battle for Buckeye State bragging rights, so check out our Ohio vs. Ohio State predictions and get on board with this state rivalry clash. Ohio (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS) was a 17-10 winner against West Virginia in their home opener last week when they were +3.5 underdogs. Top-ranked Ohio State (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) crushed Grambling, 70-0, as -55.5 favorites at home last weekend. They’ll play their third straight game at Ohio Stadium with a 7:00 EST kickoff time. If you are struggling to pick winners, you've come to the right place. We have the strongest NCAAF Predictions.
Ohio looking to make noise
Unafraid to put themselves to the test, the Bobcats have stacked their non-conference schedule with three power conference matchups, culminating here. They nearly picked off Rutgers in their season opener, then got by West Virginia with a strong defense last week. The offense staked the team a 17-7 lead at the half and the defense kept West Virginia to just a field in a tight second half. They allowed 250 total yards on the day and only 71 via the rush, leaving the Mountaineers with only 13 first downs. Ohio had an interception and four sacks in the win, and four players led the team with seven tackles apiece. The Bobcats’ offense went for 429 total yards and 24 first downs. Parker Navarro has his struggles in the passing game, tossing three picks to go with 247 yards and a touchdown. The senior QB also scrambled for a team-high 87 yards.
The Bobcats’ offense has produced 434.5 total yards per game this season with 24 points a week. They’ve leaned slightly more into their passing game, averaging 243 yards per week thanks to the efforts of Navarro, who has 486 passing yards and 3 TDs to go with 180 rushing yards and one rushing score. The Ohio defense has yielded 22 points and 215 yards per game this season. Against the rush, they are allowing only 109.5 yards per game, and they’ve been able to get to the opposing quarter for five sacks.
“They're talented everywhere. It's a really good program. There are not a lot of holes that you would say that you're seeing within that program,” head coach Brian Smith said about the challenge ahead, via ElevenWarriors.com. “They have real good personnel all over the place."
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Team notes
- Michael Molnar was named Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
- Linebacker Jack Fries leads the team with 15 tackles and three pass deflections.
- UCLA transfer David Dellnebach is 4-4 on PATS and 1-1 on field goal attempts.
- Cameron Hollobaugh has the team’s lone interception.
Ohio State flaunts feathers in blowout
After a classic defensive battle with No. 2 Texas in the season opener, the Buckeyes’ offense broke free last week, finding the end zone at least twice in all four quarters. When the dust settled, Ohio State’s offense had 651 total yards, averaging 13.5 yards per pass catch and 7.2 yards per carry in the run game. Freshman Bo Jackson ran for 108 yards and a touchdown in his collegiate debut. Justin Saying threw for 4 TDs and set an OSU record for completed passes to start a game with 16 straight connections. The defense toyed with FCS Grambling, keeping them to just 166 total yards and 11 first downs. Attacking the pass, the Buckeyes picked up two sacks and an interception while holding their opponent to just 72 passing yards.
“We talked about being more explosive and playing with tempo. That was good,” said head coach Ryan Day after the win, via ESPN.com. "I thought Julian really had some accurate throws, the ball came out on time and the spacing, timing and protection was good."
Through their first two games, the Ohio State offense has produced 42 points a game to go along with 427 total yards, on average. The passing game has provided 251.5 yards while the run has been good for 175.5 yards a week, striking a very strong balance. They’ve gone 8-for-19 on third down chances and they’ve picked up 48 first downs. The defense allowed 251 total yards and just 3.5 points per game, the second-best scoring defense in the country. Against the pass, they’ve allowed just 121 yards per game while getting to the quarterback for three sacks and forcing two interceptions.
Team notes
- Sayin was one completion short of the OSU record for consecutive completions in a game, set by C.J. Stroud.
- The Buckeyes have not had to punt in two games.
- Jayden Fielded is 8-8 on PATs and Jackson Courville is 4-4 on PATs, but the team has yet to have a field goal attempt.
- Jackson was the first true freshman since Dallan Hayden in 2022 to rush for 100 yards in a game.
Ohio vs. Ohio State Picks
Spread Pick for Ohio vs. Ohio State
- Ohio +31 (4 units)
The Buckeyes own a 6-0 SU advantage in the head-to-head series, though it was 7-0 before Ohio State had to vacate their 2010 victory, which was when these two met last. Ohio State gets to play their third straight home game while the Bobcats take to the road for a second time. They nearly left New Jersey with a win when they faced Rutgers, so being away from home isn’t a factor for them. Their win over West Virginia last week showed that they are going to put up a big fight against anyone they face. Which puts Ohio State on notice here. Yes, the talent is far superior on the Buckeyes’ sidelines, but last week was not a good indicator as to where the team currently stands. Their defense was great versus Grambling, and they are usually stout under Day, but they aren’t as good as they’ve been in seasons past and they are going to have their hands full with the dynamic Navarro at QB for Ohio. While eyes might be focused on the rambunctious Bobcat mascot trying to take down Brutus Buckeye once again, this will be a solid game happening on the field.
Take Ohio getting the points.
Over/Under Pick for Ohio vs. Ohio State
- Over 51.5 (5 units)
When they last met, 15 years ago, the teams combined for 50 points and hit the over. This matchup does feature a pair of dynamic offenses capable of big plays and big scores. Ohio State had the pleasure of resting a lot of their top-line offensive weapons in last week’s blowout, and this could be their first chance to really go off for a full game this season. The Buckeyes tend to score big versus non-conference opponents and I expect that to hold up here. I also expect the Bobcats to stay close enough to make things interesting for a bit. That means they’ll have to get on the scoreboard, and they have a QB in place who can help them do just that. They’ve already faced two power conference defenses and have scored at least 17 points each time out. I think they can do at least that here and maybe more, but Ohio State will do plenty to carry the load.
Take the over.
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