In what looks like a lopsided matchup, the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are set to host Grambling State at Ohio Stadium on September 6.
After a thrilling win over the previous No. 1 Texas, the Buckeyes are riding high and heavily favored to dominate the Tigers. Grambling State, fresh off a 55-7 win over Langston, faces a huge challenge against Ohio State—a team with a real knack for overwhelming FCS opponents.
Ohio State’s Dominance Over FCS Teams
Ohio State’s track record against FCS teams is, honestly, kind of wild. In their last four meetings with FCS opponents—including three against Youngstown State—the Buckeyes have won by an average of 45 points.
The combined score in those games? A staggering 193-13. That tells you plenty about both their defense and their ability to pile on points.
Expert Predictions
The Columbus Dispatch experts don’t see much suspense here. Bill Rabinowitz predicts a 56-0 blowout for Ohio State, calling out the mismatch between the teams.
Joey Kaufman expects a 48-7 win, and Rob Oller is even more optimistic for the Buckeyes, picking a 52-0 shutout. The consensus? Ohio State’s probably going to control this one from start to finish.
Key Factors to Watch
Ohio State’s Offensive Strategy
After playing things a bit safe on offense against Texas, Ohio State will likely open up their playbook this time. Head coach Ryan Day is expected to let play-caller Brian Hartline get more aggressive, aiming for a better balance between passing and running.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, who showed flashes against Texas, will be looking to rack up some stats and build up his confidence against a weaker opponent.
Defensive Expectations
The Buckeyes’ defense, which held Texas in check, is expected to keep Grambling State under 100 yards of total offense. This defensive group is known for its speed and physicality, and they’ll be aiming to keep the Tigers out of the red zone altogether.
Of course, if Ohio State puts in the backups in the second half, Grambling might sneak in a late score. That’s always the risk in these kinds of games.
Grambling State’s Challenges
Jump in Competition
Grambling State’s big win over Langston, an NAIA school, is a whole different world from what they’ll face at Ohio Stadium. The Tigers, who finished last season at 5-7, are stepping into a game where the odds are, frankly, stacked against them.
Their biggest challenge will be keeping their composure and sticking to whatever game plan they’ve got against a much stronger team.
Financial Incentives
The upside for Grambling? The $1 million appearance fee is a big deal for their athletic department.
It makes the tough assignment a little easier to swallow, even if the players still have to face the reality of lining up against one of college football’s best.
Betting Odds and Predictions
FanDuel has the spread at Ohio State by 54.5 points, with an over/under of 62.5. That’s a pretty clear signal that oddsmakers expect a high-scoring game, mostly from the Buckeyes’ side.
If you’re into sports betting, this matchup offers some interesting angles—between the spread and the over/under, there’s a lot to consider.
Expert Betting Tips
If you’re new to betting on college football, don’t stress. There are plenty of guides out there to help you get started.
Our guide to college football betting odds, picks, and spreads is packed with tips for beginners. Also, USA TODAY Network readers can snag exclusive promos and bonus codes from different online sportsbooks and betting sites.
Conclusion
The Ohio State vs. Grambling State game is shaping up to be a big moment for the Buckeyes. They’re sitting at No. 1, and everyone’s watching to see if they can back that up.
Grambling State definitely has a tough task ahead. Still, this matchup means a lot for their players—it’s a chance to go up against top talent and learn from it.
Plus, let’s be honest, the financial boost for Grambling’s athletic department is nothing to shrug at. For Ohio State, it’s another shot to fine-tune their playbook and get their backups some real action.
People are curious to see if the Buckeyes will keep their streak alive. Can they meet those sky-high expectations? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
