Orange Bowl Betting Odds: Clemson Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction

Left out in the cold after losing in the Big Ten Championship, the Ohio State Buckeyes settled for an Orange Bowl appearance and are laying a field goal to the Clemson Tigers in early wagering.

The Tigers were 1-2 as an underdog this year but are on a 5-3 run in that role dating back to 2011. The Orange Bowl has been kind to dogs in the past decade.

Point spread: The Buckeyes were three-point favorites on the opening Orange Bowl odds menu; the total was 68. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 42.9-37.5 Buckeyes

Why Clemson can cover the Orange Bowl spread

For Dabo Swinney, there is plenty of reason to believe he will be coaching for a huge win in this game. For starters, there’s the redemption intangible from two years ago, when he and the Tigers were drubbed by West Virginia in this same bowl, 70-33.

Second, this is a chance for Swinney to send his stock through the roof for the college coaching openings popping up everywhere. With the 11th-ranked scoring offense in the nation, the Tigers have a good chance to hang with Ohio State’s fourth-ranked scoring offense.

Quarterback Tajh Boyd will also be looking to raise his own stock in this game by making his Tigers the eighth underdog to cover the Orange Bowl spread in 11 tries.

Why Ohio State can cover the Orange Bowl spread

Clemson (10-2) is a very good football team, and a solid win and cover might quiet those who say Ohio State (12-1) coasted through a…

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