Morgan State (1-1) takes on Ohio University (1-1) in non-conference action on Saturday, Sept.14. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and can be seen live on ESPN+. Ohio comes in as a 24.5-point favorite with an over/under set at 46.5.
So, let's get to my Morgan State vs Ohio prediction.
Morgan State vs Ohio Prediction
My Morgan State vs Ohio prediction is Morgan State +24.5.
Morgan State vs Ohio Odds
| Morgan State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+24.5 -110 | 46.5 -110 / -110 | +1400 |
| Ohio Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-24.5 -110 | 46.5 -110 / -110 | -4000 |
- Morgan State vs Ohio Point Spread: Morgan State +24.5 (-110) · Ohio -24.5 (-110)
- Morgan State vs Ohio Total: Over/Under 46.5
- Morgan State vs Ohio Moneyline: Morgan State +1400 · Ohio -4000
Morgan State vs Ohio Preview
Morgan State Bears Betting Preview: Offense Needs to Improve
Morgan State is fresh off a close 14-9 loss to Towson. The Bears boast the best defense in the MEAC and kept Towson off the scoreboard in the second half.
However, offensive struggles were costly for Morgan State as a missed field goal and two drives stopped in opponent territory proved to be the difference. Morgan State was able to get the ground game going in its season-opening victory against Hampton but could not replicate that success against Towson.
The Bears rely on their defense and return seven from a unit that allowed 21 points and 309 yards per game in 2023. MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Elijah Williams anchors a stout defensive line that allowed just 128 rush yards per game and had 23 sacks last year. The back seven is also solid with Erick Hunter returning at linebacker and three back in the defensive secondary.
For this team to improve, the offense needs to get better. Morgan State averaged 16 points and 250 yards per contest in 2023. Tahj Smith is back at quarterback and was heavily recognized for his work as a freshman last year.
Morgan State hopes the new offensive coordinator, Apollo Wright, can unlock more of its young quarterback's potential.
Lastly, Morgan State has shown improvement in special teams play. As kicker Beckett Leary is 2-for-2 on field goals, the punting average is up to 42 yards per punt. The kick-coverage units have also been solid.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview: Still Finding Rhythm
Ohio is coming off a win over South Alabama. The Bobcats offense was balanced as they rushed and passed for 200 yards against the Jaguars, who were without their starting quarterback.
Parker Navarro has stepped in nicely for the departed Kurtis Rourke at quarterback and effectively managed the game well. Navarro completed 20-of-28 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown and is yet to throw an interception this season.
Ohio lost a ton of offensive production and doesn't have the firepower we are used to seeing from Tim Albin's teams. The Bobcats rushing attack has been solid through two games, rushing for 200 yards in both games.
Defensively, the Bobcats gave up some yards against South Alabama but bowed once the Jaguars crossed midfield. Four South Alabama drives crossed midfield, but those resulted in punts, and there were two others in which the Bobcats held South Alabama to field goal attempts. That can be attributed to the Havoc Ohio created against the Jags' backup quarterback.
Morgan State vs Ohio Pick & Prediction
I am going to take a stab here at Morgan State +24.5. Both Morgan State and Ohio are run-oriented teams that play slow offensively. Morgan State runs a play every 36 seconds on offense, and 76% of its snaps are run plays. Ohio runs the ball 58% of the time and uses 28 seconds between plays. I don’t think we will see enough possessions for the Bobcats to create enough separation to cover this large number.
The strength of Ohio's defense is its secondary and the Bobcats rely on transfers to contribute in the front seven. Morgan State will pound the rock consistently and play slow to control the clock.
I'd imagine they will be able to do just enough on first and second down to give themselves favorable third-down opportunities to stay on the field and possess the ball.
The Bears will not ask Smith to do too much, and offensive mistakes should be few and far between. For Morgan State, I'd expect their defense to perform well against an Ohio team that lacks Explosiveness
Ohio is 0-5 against the spread in its past five against FCS competition. The Bobcats have a history of letting lesser foes hang around and haven’t been close to covering a large number like this in some time. Morgan State put a serious scare into Akron last year and should have won that contest.
With a stout defense, improved special teams and a reliant run game, the Bears will compete here.
Pick: Morgan State +24.5
How to Watch Morgan State vs Ohio Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 14 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
Morgan State vs Ohio Betting Trends
- Morgan State is 1-1 straight up and 2-0 against the spread.
- Ohio is 1-1 straight up and 2-0 against the spread.
