Texas A&M vs Ohio State Odds & Pick: NCAAB Betting Guide

The SEC meets the Big Ten as the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies head to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Both of these teams won their season openers, but this matchup will undoubtedly be a step up for both.

While this is an early-season test for both clubs, the team that may be more equipped to handle it is the Aggies. Texas A&M brings back a lot of experience, and its newcomers made an excellent first impression against Texas A&M-Commerce.

As for the Buckeyes, they were tested against Oakland in their opener, only winning by six. While that's not the start many expected, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ohio State step up in front of its home crowd here.

Here's Texas A&M vs. Ohio State odds and a prediction, including an NCAAB betting guide for Friday, Nov. 10.

The Aggies are a team to target early on in the season because there's not much that's unknown. For us as bettors, and for them as a club, that's a great thing.

Texas A&M ranks 25th in returning minutes, which means it brought back a lot of last year's team. That squad went on a tremendous run in the SEC Tournament and proved it can compete with some of the top teams in the nation.

While we're very familiar with the production of Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford, it was another unsung upperclassman who led the way in the opener. Senior guard Hayden Hefner led the scoring with 19 points in 20 minutes, as he shot 70% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.

His outside touch could be a differentiating factor for this team, as the Aggies were successful last season without much success from downtown. We should see that success continue in this matchup, as the Buckeyes allowed Oakland to make 40% of its 3s in the opening matchup.

Look for the Aggies to have success on this end of the floor, as Ohio State has yet to prove itself and may not be ready to contend against a team with this much depth and experience.

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Despite failing to cover as 19.5-point favorites in its opener, Ohio State looked very solid on the offensive end of the floor. The Buckeyes shot over 46% from the floor, with four players in double figures.

However, it goes without saying that this matchup is a big step up. Ohio State's starting lineup may have experience in its system, but it's yet to prove it can be consistent.

The guy to keep your eye on is senior Zed Key. Key was highly efficient from the floor in the opener, and he'll likely dominate the Buckeyes' usage. He did get into foul trouble, though, and was fortunate to have Roddy Gayle Jr. and Bruce Thornton step up.

Getting another collective offensive effort will be easier said than done. This Texas A&M team prides itself on defense, and the numbers showed it last season — and in its opener this season. The Aggies are 21st in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and shut down TAMC from beyond the arc.

They say defense travels, and the Buckeyes are going to need their best offensive effort to combat who's in front of them.

I understand that Ohio State will enjoy a significant home-court advantage here, but that's nothing new to this Texas A&M team.

The Aggies' experience, leadership and efficiency on both ends of the court will lead them to victory.

Back A&M.

Pick: Texas A&M +1 or Better

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