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Oregon star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is still day-to-day ahead of the Ducks’ prime-time clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The former 5-star prospect had his leg rolled up by a teammate in the season-opening win against Fresno State. He’d be crucial against an Ohio State offense that bludgeoned Minnesota for 45 points in Week 1.
“Without him, the Ducks have no pass rush whatsoever,” the Action Network’s Collin Wilson said.
However, Thibodeaux’ absence wouldn’t result in a change in Wilson’s power ratings or market for the game.
“I know he is high impact, but Ohio State has numerous ways to get around him,” Wilson noted.
The Buckeyes are 14.5-point chalk at DraftKings, with a total of 63.5. Both clubs were betting favorites to win their respective conferences prior to the season.
Thibodeaux picked up one sack and a forced fumble in the opener. He entered the year with 73 tackles, 12 sacks and six pass deflections over his last two full campaigns.
Oregon’s been brutal for bettors when getting points away from home, going just 1-7 against the spread in the last eight tries.
Ohio State, meanwhile, hasn’t lost against the number in each of the last five games in September. The offense in particular cruised last Saturday, posting the fifth-best EPA/play (0.43) among Week 1 participants.
Oregon returns home after this week for games against Stony Brook and Arizona.
Ohio State will host Tulsa and Akron in Weeks 3 and 4 before hitting the road to face Rutgers.