USC vs. Ohio State Cotton Bowl Predictions Against the Spread 12/29/17
Will Ohio State not only beat USC in Friday night’s Cotton Bowl but also cover the spread? Kickoff for tonight’s game is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
The Odds: Ohio State vs. USC, 8:30 p.m. ET, Friday
According to oddsmakers, the Buckeyes are now 9.5-point favorites to beat the Trojans. USC opened as a 6-point underdog before the line jumped. As for the total, the number opened at 64.5 and that’s where it currently sits.
USC Trojans Injury Report
Porter Gustin (biceps) is doubtful for this game while Jalen Greene (Shoulder) is questionable. Out for the Trojans is guard Viane Talamaivao, who tore his pectoral back in early October.
Ohio State Buckeyes Injury Report
Dante Booker (concussion) is questionable for the Buckeyes. Branden Bowen (leg), A.J. Alexander (knee), and Eric Glover-Williams (disciplinary) are all out.
Our Prediction
The Trojans are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five bowl games. They’re also 2-8-1 at the betting window in their last 11 games overall. In their last four non-conference games, as well as their last four games versus Big Ten opponents, they’re 0-4 against the number.
On the other side, the Buckeyes are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven neutral site games. They’re an impressive 10-2-1 against the number in their last 13 games versus Pac-12 opponents. They have covered in four of their last five Friday night games as well.
I expect a pissed off Ohio State team to come out fired up tonight. The Buckeyes believe they should be playing on New Year’s Day in the playoffs and will use this game to make a statement. Hopefully, the good J.T. Barrett will show up tonight for OSU.
Cotton Bowl Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes -9.5