In Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, the Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Scheduled for a 3:30 PM kickoff, the game will be broadcast on BTN. Ohio State, ranked number one in both the AP and Coaches Polls, will look to maintain their momentum from a season-opening victory.
The Buckeyes are coming off a hard-fought 14-7 win against the Texas Longhorns. With a record of 1-0, they have demonstrated their defensive capabilities, allowing just seven points. As they prepare to play on their home turf again, Ohio State aims to continue their strong start to the season.
Grambling State, on the other hand, enters the game with an 0-1 record after falling to Louisiana-Lafayette 40-10. Lacking conference affiliation, the Tigers will attempt to rebound from their opening loss. Despite the odds stacked against them, they aim to put forth a solid performance against the top-ranked Buckeyes.
Ohio State vs Grambling State At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 3:30 PM
- Venue: Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH
- TV Channel: BTN
- Ohio State Record: 1-0 for the 2025 season
- Grambling State Record: 0-1 for last season
- Point Spread: Ohio State -55.5
Ohio State Buckeyes Prepare for the 2025 Season: A Look at the Upcoming Game
Team Overview
The Ohio State Buckeyes have shown their defensive strength early in the 2025 season, allowing only 7 points against Texas Longhorns. Their current defensive rank stands impressively at 4th for points against, which highlights their ability to suppress opponent offenses.
On the offensive side, the Buckeyes are in a transitional phase with their points for ranking at 40th. However, with a storied history of explosive offense, they remain a team to watch as the season progresses.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Julian Sayin made his presence known in the opening game with 126 passing yards. Though his current ranking may not reflect it, Sayin has the potential to develop into a key contributor for Ohio State’s offensive strategy.
Running back CJ Donaldson rushed for 67 yards in the first game, providing a steady ground game for the Buckeyes. His performance will be crucial as Ohio State looks to establish their run game further.
Defensive Prowess
Ohio State’s defense has been stellar, ranking 2nd in interceptions and 7th in sacks. This indicates a robust defensive line capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers.
The team has also excelled in limiting first downs, which was evident in their game against Texas, where they allowed just 16. Their defensive performance will be a significant factor in their upcoming games.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could be a concern for Ohio State, with several players listed as questionable. Key players like Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Brenten Jones are uncertain for the upcoming game, which might impact the Buckeyes’ defensive depth.
The team will need to manage these injuries carefully to maintain their defensive and offensive performance as the season continues.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
Grambling State Tigers Look to Bounce Back on the Road
Offensive Struggles
The Grambling State Tigers have faced challenges offensively in the 2024 season, scoring just 10 points in their recent game against Louisiana-Lafayette. Ranking 133rd nationally in points scored, the Tigers’ offense has been unable to find a rhythm. Their passing game is also struggling, with only 166 passing yards ranking them 175th in the nation.
Rushing has not been a strong suit for Grambling State either, accumulating just 101 yards on the ground. This positions them 180th among college teams. These offensive hurdles have translated to only 12 first downs, placing them at 117th in that category.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Tigers allowed 40 points to Louisiana-Lafayette, highlighting potential weaknesses on that side of the ball. While they managed to record a sack and an interception in the game, their defense ranks 13th in points allowed. This indicates a pressing need for improvement to prevent opponents from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Their ability to force turnovers is not entirely absent, with one interception ranking them 2nd nationally. However, their failure to recover any fumbles leaves room for growth in their defensive pressure and playmaking capabilities.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Myles Crawley stands out as a key player, with 166 passing yards in the season opener. Although he did not throw for any touchdowns, his presence as the starting QB is essential for any offensive resurgence. Running back Ke’travion Hargrove, despite being on loan to Old Dominion, contributed 61 rushing yards and a touchdown, showcasing potential depth in the backfield.
Wide receiver Nicholas Howard is another player to keep an eye on, having recorded 5 receptions for 68 yards. His performance is crucial for the Tigers to extend their offensive drives and improve their passing attack. On special teams, kicker Reed Harradine, currently with Southern Miss, made his presence felt with one successful field goal.
Previous Game Recap
In their previous outing against Louisiana-Lafayette, the Tigers struggled on both sides of the ball, falling 40-10. The team managed only 12 first downs compared to the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 24, highlighting their offensive struggles. Grambling State’s defense allowed over 350 passing yards, a significant factor in their lopsided defeat.
Despite the defeat, the Tigers’ ability to force a turnover with an interception shows promise in their defensive backfield. However, they must work on reducing the yardage allowed and improving their rushing defense to compete more effectively.
Betting Trends
- Grambling State has failed to cover the spread in their last game.
- The total has gone over in their last outing against Louisiana-Lafayette.
- The Tigers have struggled on the road, losing their last away game.
Ohio State vs Grambling State Prediction: Ohio State -55.5
Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked #1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, have started the 2025 season strong with a 1-0 record and a convincing win. Their defense, ranked 4th in points allowed, will likely suffocate Grambling State’s offense, which ranked poorly last season. The Buckeyes’ offense has the potential to shine against Grambling State’s defense.
Grambling State Tigers are coming off a loss in their only game this season, and their previous season’s offensive output was among the lowest. With no conference affiliation and a limited competitive schedule, they face a daunting task against a powerhouse like Ohio State. Their defense, while decent, may not withstand Ohio State’s explosive offense.
Taking into account Ohio State’s recent ATS success, they have covered the spread in their last game as favorites. Given their offensive and defensive strengths, they are likely to dominate this matchup. The consensus spread of -55.5 reflects the significant difference in capabilities between these two teams.
Given the factors at play, expect Ohio State to cover the spread comfortably. A projected final score could be Ohio State 63 – Grambling State 3, illustrating their dominance on both sides of the ball.
- Ohio State vs Grambling State Prediction: Ohio State -55.5
- Ohio State vs Grambling State Score: Ohio State 63 – Grambling State 3
