J.D. Pickell Makes Surprise Pick for Oregon-Ohio State

On3 college football analyst J.D. Pickell made a pick for this weekend's Oregon-Ohio State game on Tuesday, surprising many fans by selecting the opposite team he was favoring in the preseason.

After picking the Ducks to beat the Buckeyes in Eugene multiple times before the season began, Pickell backed away from Oregon on Tuesday and chose Ohio State to win.

"I think Ohio State goes into Autzen, I think they win this football game," Pickell said during his show on Tuesday. "I think Will Howard and the run game is the x-factor, and I think ultimately Ohio State not just wins, but covers that three and a half point spread."

While Pickell picked the Buckeyes to cover the spread, he didn't specify a final score for Saturday's game, which should play a major role in determining playoff seeding come December.

"We'll take Ohio State, and I think this is maybe just round one of this game," Pickell said. "But regardless, it's gonna be a good time. Can't wait for it."

Pickell justified his pick by pointing to Ohio State's dominant, multi-faceted backfield in addition to quarterback Will Howard's ability to make plays.

While Oregon is 5-0 so far this fall, it has struggled at times against dominant rushing teams (see week two vs. Boise State).

"Don't get it twisted. Will Howard will have to make some plays for Ohio State to win this football game," Pickell said. "I personally think that the two-headed monster in the backfield for Ohio State and the overall defense that Ohio State has -- that has not yet found their peak yet -- I think they do win this game."

After opening the season as a one-point underdog in the same game, Ohio State is currently listed as a 3.5-point favorite on Saturday.

Just as Vegas' opinions of the two teams has shifted, so has Pickell's.

"The Ohio State faithful have been consistently in my mentions, because preseason, during our predictions, I said I think Oregon beats Ohio State three times," Pickell said. "Clearly, we do not still feel that way, and I'm curious to see how that one unfolds."

The Ducks and Buckeyes will meet inside Autzen Stadium on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast on NBC.