Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Total Pick 1/18/23

Ohio State (10-7 SU 7-10 ATS) vs. Nebraska (9-9 SU 5-13 ATS)
When: Wednesday, January 18th: 7:00 ET
Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena Lincoln, NE
TV: BTN
Point Spread: OSU -5.5/NEB +5.5 (Deposit $100 and get $100 FREE with bonus code PREDICT100 at MyBookie Sportsbook!)
Total: 137.5
Money Line: Ohio State Buckeyes -243/ Nebraska Cornhuskers +194

The Buckeyes will hope to turn it around tonight when they travel to take on Nebraska at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Ohio State is listed on the CBB board as a -6 favorite, with the total line offered up at 138. The tip-off for Wednesday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and can be watched on BTN.

Line Movement

Ohio State hit some boards as low as -4.5, but we’re starting to see some -6.5s at some sportsbooks under both sharp and public action. The total line has been moving up and down. The line opened at many shops at 138 points and dropped to 136 before moving back up to 137.5/138.

Last Game Info

Ohio State most recently fell to Rutgers (68-64). Not only did the Buckeyes lose straight-up, but they picked up an ATS defeat as +3 point underdogs. The combined 132 points did not surpass the 135 total line.

Nebraska most recently fell to Purdue (73-55). Not only did the Cornhuskers lose straight-up, but they picked up an ATS defeat as +15.5 point underdogs. The combined 128 points did not surpass the 135 total line.

Current Form

Ohio State
Over their last five games, Ohio State has a straight-up record of 1-4 while going 1-4 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Buckeyes’ offense averages 69.2 points per game while hitting 42.4% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 40.3% from the field while allowing 69.2 points per contest.

Nebraska
In their previous five contests, Nebraska is 2-3 straight-up and 1-4 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 61.6 points per game on a shooting percentage of 42.7%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 42.4% of their shots while giving up 70.4 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Ohio State’s opponents comes in at 77.8. On the other side, Nebraska’s combined opponent power rating sits at 79.3.

How Does Ohio State Fare On The Road?

For the season, the Buckeyes have played six road games and have a record of 2-4. In these contests, Ohio State is 2-4 vs. the spread. Offensively, they have averaged 73.3 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.5%. On defense, the Buckeyes allow 71.2 points per contest when playing away from home. So far, opposing teams have a field goal percentage of 40.6% in these games.

How Does Nebraska Fare At Home?

In their nine games at home, Nebraska has a 4-5 record vs. the spread while going 7-2 straight-up. On offense, the Cornhuskers are shooting 47.0% on their home floor, leading to 72.4 points per game. Defensively, opponents are shooting 39.8% in these contests. The Nebraska defense is allowing 62.9 points per game at home.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Ohio State is averaging 73.8 points per game (123rd) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 47.4%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Nebraska defense that has allowed an average of 67.2 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 42.3% of their shots vs. Nebraska. On the other side, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming into the game averaging 73.3 points per game on a shooting percentage of 44.4%. The Cornhuskers will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 66.3 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 40.6% of their shots vs. the Buckeyes.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Ohio State has a shooting percentage of 37.3% while ranking 374th in attempts per game. The Buckeyes will be facing a Nebraska defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 32.7%. Nebraska enters the game having hit 32.0% of their looks from deep while averaging 7.0 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Ohio State has allowed opponents to hit 29.3% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Ohio State

• Bruce Thornton (Questionable) Wrist

Nebraska

• Sam Griesel (Probable) Hip
• Juwan Gary (Out) Shoulder
• Quaran McPherson (Out) Knee
• Ramel Lloyd Jr. (Out) Redshirt
• Blaise Keita (Questionable) Ankle

Pick Against The Line

Ohio State has only one true road win on its resume, and that came on New Year’s Day against Northwestern. I typically don’t trust games on holidays to be a guaranteed indication of either team’s ability, so I’m tossing that game out. Now to be fair, the three losses were against solid competition, and they didn’t embarrass themselves, losing by nine to Duke, seven to Maryland, and by four to Rutgers in OT. I just can’t play them laying six. The total is where I’m going on this. The Buckeyes average 78 points per game this season but have averaged just 68.8 in Big Ten games and have scored 69 or fewer points in three of their last four. Nebraska’s offensive numbers are even worse, scoring 66.4 PPG overall and a paltry 62.1 points in conference games. Defensively both teams are solid, ranking in the top group of many key metrics. Take the Under 138. Bet your NBA predictions for FREE this week by scoring a 100% real cash bonus up to $500 when you use promo code PREDICTEM on the special offers page AFTER you register and BEFORE you place your first bet at the web’s oldest (In business since 1983) and most trusted sportsbook —-> Everygame! (Formerly known as Intertops)