Books Need Penn State Cover vs Ohio State

**Betting World Braces for Massive Payout as Public Goes All-In on Ohio State Against Penn State**

**COLUMBUS, OH – October 26, 2024** – As anticipation builds for this Saturday’s colossal college football showdown, the betting industry is on high alert, facing a potential financial reckoning as an overwhelming majority of public money floods in on No. 3 Ohio State to dominate No. 7 Penn State. The high-stakes Big Ten East clash is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET kickoff at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, airing live nationally on FOX.

What began as a significant 17.5-point spread favoring the Buckeyes has dramatically widened, reflecting an unprecedented public betting trend. At major sportsbooks like BetMGM, Ohio State is currently favored by a substantial 19 points, with some lines briefly touching 20.5 points before settling back into the 19 to 19.5 range.

The shift is almost entirely attributable to a massive public lean on Ohio State. BetMGM reports that a staggering 83% of all spread bets, and an even more remarkable 86% of the total money wagered, has been placed on the Buckeyes to cover that 19-point margin – meaning Ohio State would need to win by 20 points or more for those bets to pay out.

Christian Cipollini, the head of trading at Circa Sports in Las Vegas, confirmed the trend, stating, “We’ve seen good money coming in on Ohio State, which has consistently pushed the line higher throughout the week. It’s one of the most lopsided positions we’ve seen on a major college football game this season.”

For sportsbooks, this lopsided action creates a precarious financial situation. With such a heavy lean on one side, they are now actively “rooting” for Penn State to cover the spread. This means they would prefer Penn State to either secure an upset victory outright – a long shot given the odds – or, more realistically, lose the game by fewer than 19 points. If Ohio State manages to cover the expansive 19-point margin, sportsbooks across the nation face substantial payouts, potentially impacting their profitability for the week.

“This is the scenario books try to avoid,” explained veteran sports betting analyst, Mark Johnson. “When 80-plus percent of the money is on one side of a major game, the liability becomes enormous. If the favorite delivers as expected, it’s going to be a tough weekend for the oddsmakers. They need a competitive game, or even a Penn State backdoor cover late, to balance their books.”

Beyond the betting lines, the game itself carries immense weight for both programs. Ohio State, currently undefeated at 7-0 and ranked No. 3 nationally, is in prime position for a College Football Playoff berth and is eyeing another Big Ten Championship. Heisman-contending quarterback Kyle McCord has led a potent Buckeyes offense, while their defense remains one of the nation’s best.

Penn State, sitting at 6-1 with their sole loss coming to No. 2 Michigan, is ranked No. 7 and still harbours CFP aspirations. A victory over Ohio State would catapult them into the Big Ten East driver’s seat and significantly bolster their national profile. However, their offense, led by quarterback Drew Allar, has at times struggled for consistency against elite defenses, a factor some analysts believe is contributing to the public’s confidence in Ohio State’s ability to cover the large spread.

Historically, the “rivalry” between these two Big Ten titans has produced several memorable, hard-fought contests, often decided by narrow margins. However, Ohio State has largely dominated the series in recent years, fueling the public’s current belief in a decisive Buckeyes victory.

While the spread is the primary focus, other betting markets also tell a story. The moneyline for Ohio State is exceptionally steep, requiring a significant wager for a modest return, while a Penn State upset would offer a massive payout. The over/under for total points is also projected to be high, reflecting expectations for an offensive battle.

All eyes will be on Columbus this Saturday, not just for the on-field drama, but for the financial implications that could send ripples through the sports betting world. For more details on team statistics and standings, visit Big Ten Conference’s official website.