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Illinois vs. Ohio State: Biggest spread for Buckeyes in a B1G game in three decades
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When the line for Illinois-Ohio State opened on Sunday, the Buckeyes were tabbed as a 38-point favorite. That’s a gigantic spread for a B1G game.
But recently, oddsmakers have pushed the line even further in Ohio State’s direction, as the Buckeyes now sit as a 41-point over against the Illini on Saturday. According to the Toledo Blade, that’s the biggest spread for the program in a B1G game in at least 30 years.
Getting pegged as a heavy favorite is nothing new for the Buckeyes. They’re often picked to win games by 30-plus points, but this is the first time in awhile the spread has surpassed 40 points for a B1G contest.
Last year came close, when Ohio State was picked as a 39-point favorite against Rutgers last season. The Buckeyes posted a 58-0 win in the game.
This marks the fifth time OSU has been a 40-point favorite in the last seven seasons.
Illinois comes into Saturday’s game with a 2-10 record and is winless in the B1G this season. Ohio State sits at 8-2 on the year with a 6-1 mark in conference play. The Buckeyes are also ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
The battle between the Illini and Buckeyes is scheduled to kick at 3:30 p.m. ET and will air on ABC.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB