The Buckeyes will get a chance to beat an SEC team in their bowl game.
Even following a disappointing end to the regular season, Ohio State has a chance to gain some momentum heading into a very crucial offseason in Columbus. Entering one of two non-College Football Playoff games that will feature two top-10 teams, the Buckeyes open as a 6.5-point betting favorite over Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, according to Action Network's consensus odds.
While Ohio State finished the regular season 11-1, it was just 7-4-1 against the spread, including 7-3-1 as a favorite. The Buckeyes covered the spread in three of its final four games but weren’t able to cover the spread in their six-point loss to Michigan to end the regular season.
Missouri, meanwhile, was 10-2 during the regular season, with its only losses being against LSU and Georgia. The Tigers were 7-5 against the spread, including 3-2 against the spread as an underdog. Mizzou covered the spread in five of its final six games.
Ohio State and Missouri will kick off at 8 p.m. on Dec. 29, with ESPN set to broadcast the Cotton Bowl.
