The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet Saturday in college football action from Ohio Stadium. Western Kentucky is coming off a matchup versus Houston Baptist last weekend. In that game the Hilltoppers posted a 30-point win. As for Ohio State, they matched up against Youngstown State in their last game. The Buckeyes went on to win by four touchdowns. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 

Western Kentucky opened up their year versus South Florida back on September 2, and things went pretty well overall. After an early deficit, the Hilltoppers outscored the Bulls 24-7 in the second half on the way to a 41-24 win. QB Austin Reed led the way on 336 yards and two scores. Dalvin Smith caught one of the TDs among his seven grabs for 97 yards. 

In the Houston Baptist game last weekend, Western Kentucky got off to a hot start with 24 first-quarter points and never let up in a 52-22 win. Reed had another nice day on 253 yards and four touchdowns. Eaton Messer led the receivers on nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. 

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Team Facts

Western Kentucky has lost each of its last five games against AP-ranked teams.
Western Kentucky has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games in September.
Western Kentucky has lost the first half in four of its last five games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
Eight of Western Kentucky’s last nine games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Ohio State Buckeyes 

Over on the Ohio State side, they took on Indiana in their opener matchup this year. The Buckeyes were up 10-3 at the break and held the Hoosiers scoreless the rest of the way in a 23-3 victory. Kyle McCord posted 239 passing yards and an interception, while Miyan Williams had 25 yards and two rush scores. Cade Stover added 98 receiving yards on five catches. 

In game two versus Youngstown State, the Buckeyes were up 28-7 going into the break and rolled to a 35-7 win. McCord managed 258 yards with three touchdowns and TreVeyon Henderson had 56 yards and two scores rushing. Marvin Harrison Jr. added 160 yards with two touchdowns off seven catches. 

Ohio State Buckeyes Team Facts

Ohio State has won each of its last 44 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
The underdog has covered the spread in seven of Ohio State’s last eight games.
Ohio State has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Ohio State has won the first quarter in each of its last five home games against non-conference opponents.
Six of Ohio State’s last seven games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Ohio State ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (13.0).
Ohio State ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (11.5).
Western Kentucky ranked T3rd among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.786).
Western Kentucky ranked 4th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (13.7).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ve got to stay with Ohio State. The line’s a little thick, though. The Buckeyes had a few areas of concern coming out of their opener game versus Indiana, mostly on offense. Ohio State had no passing scores and went just 2-of-12 on third downs. The good news is that the defense held the Hoosiers to just 153 total yards and 10 first downs in a very nice effort. In the Youngstown State game, Ohio State dominated most facets of the game against an overmatched opponent. The Buckeyes finished with 482 total yards (359 passing), 23 first downs and zero turnovers in a pretty routine win. Western Kentucky will probably put up more of a fight if they can get the chains moving a bit, but Ohio State obviously should be in complete control here.