As Week 3 of the 2025 regular season unfolds, the Ohio Bobcats will travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Scheduled for a 7:00 PM kickoff on Saturday, September 13, this night game will be broadcast on the PEAC network. Both teams enter this contest with contrasting records and rankings, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. The Ohio Bobcats, representing the Mid-American Conference, come into this game with a 1-1 record. They secured a win in their home opener against West Virginia with a score of 17-10 but faced a narrow defeat against Rutgers on the road, losing 34-31. Their road performance will be tested once again as they face the top-ranked Buckeyes. On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked #1 in both the AP and Coaches Poll, have started their season with a perfect 2-0 record. They delivered a commanding 70-0 victory over Grambling State in their last outing and edged past Texas 14-7 earlier. Playing at home again, the Buckeyes will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Ohio State vs Ohio At a Glance
- Game Venue: Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- TV Channel: PEAC
- Ohio Bobcats Record: 1-1 this season
- Ohio State Buckeyes Rank: #1 in both AP and Coaches Poll
- Game Odds: Ohio Bobcats +3375, Ohio State Buckeyes -55000 on the moneyline
Ohio State Buckeyes Poised for Another Dominant Performance
Offensive Performance
The Ohio State Buckeyes have demonstrated a strong offensive start this season, scoring 84 points, which places them 18th in the nation. Their passing game has recorded 503 yards, ranking 49th, while their rushing attack has managed 363 yards, standing at 47th. Additionally, their ability to secure first downs is impressive, with 43 recorded, ranking them 21st overall.
In the previous season, the Buckeyes were a powerhouse on offense, ranking 2nd with 571 points scored. They showed exceptional skill in the passing game with 4208 yards, ranking 6th, and their rushing attack contributed significantly with 2681 yards, earning them 18th place in the rankings. The team also excelled in securing first downs, with 332 to their name, placing them 7th overall.
Defensive Mastery
Ohio State’s defense has been a standout unit, allowing only 7 points against, ranking 2nd nationwide. Their defensive front has been effective, achieving 3 sacks, which positions them at 8th place. Moreover, their secondary has been active, securing 2 interceptions, and their ability to recover fumbles is notable with 2 recoveries, ranking 4th.
In the last regular season, Ohio State’s defense faced more challenges, with 206 points allowed, ranking 50th. However, they were dominant in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, with 53 sacks placing them 2nd. Their turnover game was also strong, with 10 interceptions and 9 fumbles recovered, placing them 11th and 7th, respectively.
Recent Game Performances
Ohio State’s recent victory over Grambling State Tigers was a statement win, with a commanding 70-0 scoreline. The Buckeyes’ offense produced 377 passing yards and 274 rushing yards, while their defense limited Grambling State to just 72 passing yards and 94 rushing yards. This dominant performance showcased their ability to control both sides of the ball.
In their season opener against Texas Longhorns, the Buckeyes secured a hard-fought 14-7 victory. Despite being outgained in first downs and rushing yards, Ohio State’s defense held strong, allowing only 170 passing yards. The Buckeyes’ ability to capitalize on critical moments was key to their success.
Key Player Contributions
Quarterback Julian Sayin has been a pivotal figure for Ohio State, with 432 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in two games. His performance ranks 1st within the team and positions him as a key offensive leader. On the ground, running back CJ Donaldson has provided stability, contributing 112 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a significant target, with 162 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, ranking 1st on the team. On defense, the collective effort has been impressive, with contributions from various players in sacks, interceptions, and fumble recoveries, maintaining their defensive prowess.
Ohio State Betting Trends
- Ohio State has covered the spread in their last 5 home games.
- The total has gone under in 4 of Ohio State’s last 6 games.
- The Buckeyes have won their last 8 games at home.
- Ohio State is 7-1 against the spread in their last 8 games against teams with a losing record.
Ohio Bobcats Ready to Test Their Strength Against Ohio State
Ohio Bobcats Offensive Overview
The Ohio Bobcats’ offensive efforts this season have them ranked 45th in points for, with 48 points scored. Their passing game is ranked 53rd with 486 yards, while their rushing game is slightly better at 44th with 383 yards.
In terms of first downs, the Bobcats have shown efficiency, ranking 16th with 48 first downs. Their offensive unit will need to continue this performance to challenge the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Defensive Standings of the Bobcats
Defensively, Ohio ranks 34th in points against, conceding 44 points so far. They have been effective in pressuring the quarterback, with their sack tally standing at five, ranking them 6th in the nation.
Turnovers have been a strong point for the Bobcats, ranking 2nd in interceptions with one and 6th in fumbles recovered. Their defense will need to replicate this form against a high-powered Ohio State offense.
Ohio Bobcats Recent Game Performance
Ohio recently secured a victory over West Virginia, 17-10, at home, showcasing their ability to control the game with 24 first downs and solid yardage both in the air and on the ground. However, they suffered a narrow defeat against Rutgers, 34-31, despite matching their opponent in first downs and nearly in yardage.
The Bobcats’ passing attack in both games has been consistent, with Parker Navarro at the helm, contributing significantly to their offensive totals. Their rushing attack, led by Sieh Bangura, also remains a vital component of their strategy.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Parker Navarro has been pivotal, contributing 486 passing yards and four touchdowns, making him a key player for the Bobcats. Sieh Bangura, with 152 rushing yards, and Chase Hendricks, with 236 receiving yards, will also be crucial offensive weapons.
Defensively, the performance of their front line, especially in generating sacks and interceptions, will be critical in stopping Ohio State’s offense. These players’ ability to perform will likely influence the game’s outcome.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
Ohio State vs Ohio Prediction: Ohio State -32.5
The Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked #1 in both the AP and Coaches Poll, have dominated their opponents in the first two games of the season. They have an imposing offense, scoring 84 points in the first two games, and a defense that has only allowed 7 points. Playing at home in Ohio Stadium, they are well-positioned to cover the -32.5 spread against the Ohio Bobcats.
Ohio State’s defense, ranked 2nd in points against, will likely stifle the Ohio Bobcats’ offensive efforts. The Bobcats have struggled on the road and face a significant challenge against the Buckeyes’ defensive line, which ranks 8th in sacks and 3rd in interceptions. This matchup looks uneven, favoring Ohio State to cover the spread.
The Ohio Bobcats have shown potential, especially in the offensive department, but their road game performance has been lacking. Facing Ohio State’s robust defense and explosive offense might be too much to handle. The Buckeyes’ balanced attack will likely keep the pressure on the Bobcats throughout the game.
Given Ohio State’s impressive start to the season and home-field advantage, a final score of Ohio State 45 – Ohio 10 seems plausible. This score supports Ohio State covering the -32.5 spread with ease.
- Ohio State vs Ohio Prediction: Ohio State -32.5
- Ohio State vs Ohio Score: Ohio State 45 – Ohio 10
