College basketball is back! After a myriad of teams took the court on Monday and Tuesday for their season openers, we’re finally starting to see some teams go out and play meaningful games against like-minded competition. And what better way to celebrate a massive college hoops slate on Friday than with a mega parlay? That’s right, I’ve crafted an NCAAB parlay for today’s games that pays out at nearly 8/1 od ds at BetMGM Sportsbook. And like always, don’t forget to check out all of our college basketball predictions for today’s games.
Texas A&M Aggies ML over Ohio State Buckeyes (+104)
In what is one of the marquee games of the day, I’ll be taking the veteran-laden Texas A&M Aggies to knock off an Ohio State team that I’m lower on than the market. Buzz Williams’ team brings back 4 starters, including Wade Taylor IV, who should be a first team All-SEC player this season. That experience is paramount in a hostile environment, and I generally trust backing a team early in the season where there are less unknowns in the rotation. Ohio State is also now adapting to life without NBA first round pick Brice Sensabaugh, and they’ll face an early challenge against this A&M defense that is ranked 21st nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. Even at home, overcoming a lack of scoring depth and experience is a tall order.
There’s also the matter of the clear advantage on the glass that the visitors should hold. The Aggies were ranked 5th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage a season ago while Ohio State sat at #184 in opposing offensive rebounding percentage. Texas A&M kept that trend going in its season-opener, as the Aggies had 16 offensive rebounds in that game. I’d expect their ability to get to the glass to be a massive difference in this game, and it should help A&M get a huge road win here.
Check out all of our college basketball predictions for today