COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football is again a big favorite in a Big Ten Conference road game on Saturday.
The Buckeyes, though, do not yet know if they will even make the trip to Michigan State on Saturday.
Circa Sports made Ohio State a 24-point favorite in Sunday’s opening betting line. By Sunday evening the line had dropped two full points to -22.
Ohio State was favored by 28 points at Illinois even after initial reports of coronavirus cases within the Buckeye program. That game was canceled Friday night after the number of cases increased.
Ohio State has paused all football operations as it awaits further test results to determine the extent of the outbreak. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day, who has tested positive and is in isolation, said OSU could play as long as it has a practice on Thursday and a walk-through on Friday.
Oddsmakers have not shied away from other pandemic-affected games. Northwestern opened as a 10-point favorite at Minnesota per Circa despite an increasing number of cases for the Gophers. As of Saturday, Minnesota was dealing with 40 confirmed cases after canceling last week’s game against Wisconsin.
Ohio State was favored by 21 points at kickoff against Indiana in its last game on Nov. 14, led 35-7 early in the third quarter and held on for a 42-35 victory.
The Buckeyes were favored by 38.5 points against Rutgers on Nov. 7, led 35-3 at halftime and settled for a 49-27 victory.
Overall, Ohio State is 2-2 against the spread. The Spartans are 2-3, but have twice won outright as home underdogs. MSU won as a 21.5-point dog against Michigan on Oct. 31 and as a 13.5-point dog against Northwestern this past Saturday.
Circa also installed an opening total of 62.5 for the Ohio State-Michigan State game, but that quickly dropped to 59.5. Three of the Buckeyes’ totals have gone over, with one push. Three of the Spartans’ games have gone over, with two unders.
New Ohio State face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Ohio State-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection. A 3-pack is available on Fanatics for $29.99.
Fanatics has released Ohio State Buckeyes Adult Face Coverings. This 3-pack of adult masks, retails for $29.99.
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