Ranking Ohio State’s 2016 Schedule and Why it is Among the Toughest

Penn State

Head coach James Franklin was supposed to be the coach to finally get the Penn State program back on track.  That has not happened.  With Harbaugh making strides at Michigan and Dantonio and Meyer continuing to dominate, it may never happen.

The Buckeyes narrowly escaped Happy Valley in 2014 winning 31-24 in double overtime. This year the team travels to Penn State the week after playing at Wisconsin in what is sure to be a “White Out” night game.  It is possible that Penn State will be catching them at the right time to pull the upset.

The big question mark is whether Franklin will have a quarterback to compliment the Big Ten’s best running back, Saquon Barkley.  If one steps up, there is a small chance the Nittany Lions can make some noise in the Big Ten East this year.

Part of me wants to rank this game higher.  The Penn State game has become a minor rivalry since they joined league play in 1993.  The game has an SEC feel to it.  A tough, physical contest typically won in the trenches.  No reason to expect anything different in 2016.

Next: Indiana