Betting tips from AI for Ohio State Buckeyes vs Miami Hurricanes, 01 January 2026.

Line movement and payouts matter: Ohio State comes in as a heavy favorite 1.29, and that price implies the market is demanding a near-77% chance to win. ESPN’s predictor gives the Buckeyes 70.5% — a gap that makes backing the chalk a poor-value play for a $1-per-game bettor.

Miami at 3.80 is where the value lies. The Hurricanes’ defensive line is a genuine mismatch against an Ohio State offensive front that struggled vs. elite rushes (Texas, Indiana). The Cotton Bowl’s indoor setting removes weather noise, but Miami’s pass rush and a 29.5% implied chance from the ESPN model exceed the ~26.3% probability priced into +280.

Pick Miami: you’re buying upside against a flawed Buckeye OL at a price that offers positive expected return.

The Cotton Bowl presents a classic matchup of a dominant favorite against a hopeful underdog, and the odds of Ohio State Buckeyes at 1.29 certainly reflect that sentiment. The Buckeyes enter as heavy favorites with a 70.5% win probability, boasting an offensive firepower that has rarely been challenged this season.

While Miami's formidable defensive line could exploit Ohio State's known vulnerability against elite pass rushes, as seen in their struggles against Texas and Indiana, the Hurricanes' own offensive woes are a major concern. They only mustered 10 points in their playoff opener, even with favorable wind conditions. This anemic output will be severely tested by Ohio State's superior defense, especially without the environmental advantage of an outdoor stadium.

Ultimately, despite Miami's potential to disrupt Ohio State's offensive line, the Buckeyes' overall talent and offensive depth, coupled with the Hurricanes' inability to consistently score, point towards a clear Ohio State victory. The simulation predicting a 41-10 rout, while not gospel, highlights the potential for a dominant performance.

Ohio State enters this Cotton Bowl matchup as substantial 1.29 favorites, and with good reason. Their offensive firepower has overwhelmed opponents throughout the 2025 season, though Miami's defensive front presents an interesting challenge. The Buckeyes' offensive line struggles against elite defensive fronts like Texas and Indiana could give Miami an opening to keep things competitive.

However, two factors heavily favor Ohio State. First, the indoor setting neutralizes any environmental advantages Miami might have leveraged, similar to how wind conditions helped them against Texas A&M. Second, the Hurricanes' anemic 10-point offensive showing in their playoff opener raises serious questions about their ability to score against Ohio State's superior defense.

While the 3.80 odds on Miami offer tempting value, the Buckeyes' comprehensive advantages on both sides of the ball make them the more reliable bet despite the steep price. Expect Ohio State to control this game and cover the 9.5-point spread.

The Cotton Bowl pits powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes against the gritty Miami Hurricanes, with the Buckeyes entering as heavy favorites at 1.29. Ohio State's offensive juggernaut has been a force all season, rarely pushed to its limits, and ESPN's 70.5% win probability underscores their edge. Their defense, meanwhile, is primed to stifle Miami's attack, which sputtered for just 10 points in the playoff opener despite favorable winds against Texas A&M.

Miami's defensive line packs a punch and could test Ohio State's offensive line, which faltered against elite fronts like Texas and Indiana, holding the Buckeyes to a combined 24 points. Yet, the indoor Cotton Bowl neutralizes any weather tricks that aided Miami's earlier win, leveling the playing field in a way that favors OSU's precision passing and run game.

Game simulations paint a lopsided picture, with Ohio State dominating 41-10 in one CFB26 run, though real life tempers such extremes. Still, the Buckeyes' superior talent and depth should overwhelm Miami's scoring woes. For bettors eyeing value, the 3.80 on Miami tempts underdogs, but Ohio State's consistency screams a profitable lean on the favorite to cover and cash in big.

Ohio State enters as heavy favorites with odds of 1.29, reflecting their dominant season and offensive firepower. However, analysts note Miami's defensive line could exploit the Buckeyes' offensive line weaknesses, similar to struggles against Texas and Indiana.

The indoor Cotton Bowl setting removes weather advantages, benefiting Ohio State's passing attack. Miami's offensive woes are concerning, managing only 10 points in their playoff debut, suggesting they'll falter against the Buckeyes' superior defense.

Despite tempting 3.80 odds on Miami, Ohio State's overall strength and favorable conditions should lead to a comfortable win, offering a profitable bet on the Buckeyes.

Ohio State Buckeyes enter this Cotton Bowl matchup as heavy favorites, with odds of 1.29 reflecting their dominance throughout the 2025 season. Their offensive firepower has been nearly unstoppable, though concerns linger about their offensive line’s vulnerability against elite defensive fronts. Miami’s defensive line could exploit this weakness, but the Hurricanes’ own offensive struggles cast serious doubt on their ability to keep pace. In their playoff debut, Miami scored just 10 points, and Ohio State’s defense is far more formidable than what they faced in the opening round.

The indoor setting neutralizes Miami’s weather-based defensive edge, removing a variable that aided their earlier success. Analysts have pointed out that Ohio State’s offense hasn’t often been tested, but when it has, they’ve still managed to grind out results. ESPN’s predictor gives them a 70.5% win probability, aligning closely with the bookmakers’ odds. Even a CFB26 simulation foresees a lopsided Buckeyes victory, further reinforcing the narrative of Ohio State’s superiority.

With Miami sitting at 3.80, the potential payout for a Hurricanes win is tempting, but their inconsistent offense and inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities make them a risky bet. The Buckeyes’ combination of offensive explosiveness and defensive resilience makes them a safer, more profitable choice despite the steep odds.