OSU a Single-Digit Favorite Over Liberty in First Round

In perhaps the best example that OSU got a rough draw in the Midwest Region facing No. 13 seed Liberty in the first round, betting odds for the game have the Pokes as a single-digit favorite for Friday.

According to updated odds from William Hill Sportsbook, they are just 7.5 point favorites over the Flames. It ties for the second-smallest projected spread among all 4 seeds in Round 1 facing 13 seeds, with only Virginia — currently dealing with COVID fallout from the ACC Tournament — a smaller favorite in its game (by a half-point).

• Florida State -10.5 vs. UNC Greensboro
• Purdue -7.5 vs. North Texas
• Oklahoma State -7.5 vs. Liberty
• Virginia -7 vs. Ohio

OSU is 5-6-1 this season against the spread as a favorite but get this: It is 10-2 on the season straight up when favored. So don’t read too much into this, but this is generally good news. When OSU is expected to win, it usually does win (unless it faces TCU!).

As for Liberty, it is 4-1-0 against the spread as an underdog this season but 2-3 in the win/loss column when it is an underdog.