Ohio State’s Defense Is Not Last Year’s Unit: And Tom Fornelli Is Going Over Against Them in Week 5

Tom Fornelli is seriously concerned about Ohio State’s defense heading into Week 5, openly stating it’s not playing at the same level as Buckeyes teams of recent years, especially compared to last year’s unit. That assessment is driving his Week 5 picks, and he’s not holding back.

Wagon Watch Alert

Before diving into the games, Fornelli’s got a “Wagon Watch” update, and it’s something you gotta know about. He’s always on the lookout for those teams that just become an unbeatable machine against the spread. These are squads the market consistently underrates, either because they’re from a smaller conference, or maybe they’re a Power Four school but don’t have that “brand” recognition. You just know a Wagon when you see it, and right now, three teams are displaying some seriously strong “Wagon auras”: James Madison, New Mexico, and UCLA. Fornelli’s Wagon Committee is keeping a close eye on all of them, even if they aren’t in this week’s specific picks.

Fornelli’s Week 5 Headache: Iowa and Ohio State

If you’re wondering why Fornelli sounds a bit bruised this week, it’s because the Iowa Hawkeyes absolutely torched him last week. That game-winning touchdown on the final play didn’t just hurt Michigan, it killed his Iowa Team Total Under 16.5 Lock of the Week! He was one Michigan first down away from a winning 4-2 week, but hey, that’s college football for you, right? He’s forgiving Iowa and Hank Brown for the heartbreak, but don’t expect him to pick them to win or even cover the 14-point spread against No. 5 Ohio State. Fornelli knows strange things happen at Kinnick Stadium, so he’s leaning into the weirdness and picking the over for points in that game. He believes points will be scored, especially with his concerns about the Ohio State defense struggling to hit last year’s high bar.

So, get ready to see if James Madison, New Mexico, and UCLA keep that Wagon magic rolling. And all eyes will be on Columbus to see if Fornelli’s bold “over” pick pays off, especially after Iowa’s last-minute heroics stung him so bad. It’s Week 5, and the stakes are high for these picks!

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by CBS Sports.