BetMGM listed Texas as a slight home favorite for Saturday’s Austin matchup, with the Longhorns at -120 on the moneyline, Ohio State at +100 and the total at 49.5.
Dispatch staff predictions leaned narrowly toward Ohio State, with three of four picks backing the Buckeyes despite Texas hosting the game in forecast 90-degree heat.
Projected scores pointed to a close contest: Ohio State picks ranged from 24-17 to 35-28, while the lone Texas pick had the Longhorns winning 20-17.
Much of the analysis centered on Ohio State’s passing attack led by Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith against a Texas team seeking revenge after last season’s 14-7 loss.
The game renews a high-profile series between two top-five teams, with Ohio State ranked No. 1 in both major polls and Texas No. 3 in the Coaches Poll and No. 4 in the AP.