CFB Week 3 action report: Buckeyes could be big liability for LV book
The Week 3 college football slate features a marquee matchup in the SEC when LSU travels to Auburn. Ohio State then squares off with TCU for a non-conference clash. Will Bernanke, the lead analyst at CG Analytics in Las Vegas, provided insight to how bettors are approaching both games.
LSU at Auburn
Open: Auburn -9/44.5
Current: Auburn -10/45
In what's been viewed as an important year for LSU and head coach Ed Orgeron, it's been smooth sailing so far. The Tigers bagged a double-digit win over the Miami Hurricanes on a neutral field in Week 1 before breezing through Southeastern Louisiana last week, 31-0.
A run-first LSU offense has been productive behind tailback Nick Brossette, but figures to need more balance on Saturday against an Auburn defense that has allowed just 74.5 yards on the ground through the first two weeks.
Auburn came out victorious from a dogfight against Washington in a neutral-site game, 21-16, then made quick work of Alcorn State last week, 63-9.
The home Tigers opened as nine-point favorites before some pros moved the line as high as 10.
"Respected money has come in on Auburn -9 and -9.5," said Bernanke, who added that as of mid-Friday morning, 79 percent of all dollars were pouring in on the home side.
The Tigers have traded wins over the last five years, with LSU taking their last matchup a year ago, 27-23, in Baton Rouge.
LSU takes on Auburn at 3:30 ET/12:30 PT.
Ohio State at TCU
Open: Ohio State -12/60
Current: Ohio State -13/59
Ohio State's offense under quarterback and first-year starter Dwayne Haskins has been on cruise control to open the year, boasting the nation's No. 2 scoring offense at 64.5 points per game. Not to be outdone, the defense has been able to get after the quarterback, recording 8.0 total sacks.
But after steamrolling through both Oregon State and Rutgers, the Buckeyes' first test awaits on the national stage when they take on a TCU team led by sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson. He's been average as a passer to start the 2018 season but is a dual-threat pivot, evident by his team-leading 112 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Expected to be a top defense in the Big 12, the Horned Frogs have lived up to the hype so far, holding their first two opponents to an average of 213.5 total yards per game.
Although TCU could pose a difficult challenge, the public hasn't shied away from laying double digits on the road with the Buckeyes, who are playing their final contest before head coach Urban Meyer returns from his three-game suspension.
"(Ohio State) could be one of our biggest liabilities when its all said and done," said Bernanke.
The Buckeyes and Horned Frogs kick off at 8:00 ET/5:00 PT.