Ohio State and Notre Dame will begin the 2022 season with a top-five matchup at Ohio Stadium, but the spread is not typical of a game between two top-tier teams.
The Buckeyes are 17.5-point favorites over Notre Dame, which is up from the 14-point opening spread, according to the DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under line sits at 58.5, as Ohio State’s high-powered offense is still expected to make noise against the Irish.
There are several factors that may be affecting the spread, including Notre Dame sporting a first-time starting quarterback — sophomore Tyler Buchner — and first-year head coach in Marcus Freeman. The Irish have also seen injuries pile up during the offseason, losing key receiver Avery Davis for the season while veteran offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson is questionable to play against the Buckeyes due to a foot sprain he suffered on Aug. 15.
The Irish also saw star safety Kyle Hamilton enter the NFL during the offseason, but mitigated his loss through the addition of former Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph through the transfer portal.
While the spread margin continues to widen closer to kickoff, the lines are still subject to change from now until Sept. 3.
