The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to move to 6-0 as they travel to face the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday afternoon.
Julian Sayin & Co. should have a field day against an overmatched Illini defense, and that’s where I’m focusing my Ohio State vs. Illinois player props.
Find out more in my free college football picks for October 11.
Ohio State vs Illinois props for Week 7
Sayin o2.5 touchdown passes (+130)- Jackson o77.5 rushing yards (-114)
- Donaldson anytime touchdown (+185)
Prop bet #1: Julian Sayin Over 2.5 touchdown passes
The Illinois defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses all season long. The Illini have been bad against the run and worse against the passing game, surrendering a dreadful 5.8 yards per play overall.
That’s without yet playing an offense quite like Ohio State’s, something even Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has conceded will be a “tremendous challenge” to contain, let alone stop.
We’ll start in the passing game, where Julian Sayin has been extremely efficient. After a slow start against Texas in Week 1, Sayin has been red hot, throwing for 12 touchdown passes in four games. Last week against Minnesota, Sayin completed 23-for-27 attempts for 326 yards and three TDs.
The Illini are allowing 252.3 passing yards per game, and are allowing quarterbacks to complete passes at a 63.9% clip. Sayin will be able to throw the ball nearly at will, so I'm hammering this prop.
Prop bet #2: Bo Jackson Over 77.5 rushing yards
Bo Jackson has been outstanding in his first four games, averaging 90 yards per game and scoring a couple of touchdowns. His usage has also become more regular in the past two weeks, getting 17 and 13 carries, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Illini are still giving up 4.2 yards per play on the ground, and they have given up more than 150 yards rushing in each of their last three games.
We also have to consider the fact that Ohio State will likely get out to an early lead. That means a probable transition to the running game for the Buckeyes in the second half, and even more yardage for Jackson and company.
Prop bet #3: CJ Donaldson anytime touchdown
Of the Buckeyes' skill position players, CJ Donaldson offers the best value when it comes to touchdown props.
Donaldson already has five touchdowns on the year, including three in the last two weeks. He could easily score during the normal flow of the game, or start to get more carries if this turns into a blowout and the Buckeyes start rotating their backfield.
Either way, there’s a strong chance he joins in on the paydirt party.
Bet on CFB at FanDuel!
Make your college football bets at FanDuel, America's No. 1 sportsbook! Sign up now and by placing $5 on your first bet, you could win $300 in bonus bets if your wager is a winner!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
