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I think it depends on the tone of the Allahu Akbar. There's is a "this is breathtaking" tone (much like Oh my God) and a "Fellows, let's praise God" tone. I would say that chanting or shouting that phrase corresponds to the latter case.

That's interesting, I had always thought of it as more of a celebratory expression rather than "oh my god," which usually indicates shock or sadness.

"Allahu Akbar" is "Allah is great" not "Oh my God".

Yes, that's a literal translation. We say many similar things in English to express shock: "good God", "my God", "God almighty", etc.

A particularly colorful example of multiple constructions in a blend of "shock" and "awesome" reactions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRItYDKSqpQ

(Language emphatically not work safe.)

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example video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8UxUKoYhs8