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Ohio State football: Big Ten East predictions week 1

By Thomas Scurlock

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 01: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 1: Acting Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches his team from the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Oregon State 77-31. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 1: Acting Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches his team from the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Oregon State 77-31. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

The Big Ten East will be strong at the top again this season, but how will Ohio State play the first game without Urban Meyer at the helm?

Every week this season I will make my predictions for Big Ten games.  I am excluding games against FCS teams.  Here is how the East will do in week one beginning with Ohio State.

Ohio State (-27.5) vs. Florida Atlantic

A lot of factors go into the success of a season, but where the Buckeyes end up will be largely determined by improvements made by the defense.

That is why this game is about finding out if the changes made to the defensive staff have made a difference.

I know you can only take so much from the first game, but we should get a glimpse into the unit’s attitude, cohesion and determination that was inconsistent in 2018.

It starts with shutting down an Owls offense that will be formidable under third-year coach Lane Kiffin

His offense returns seven starters, including quarterback Chris Robison who threw for 2500 yards last year as a freshman.

The Owls have a good line protecting Robison, but I expect Greg Mattison and Larry Johnson mix it up and come after him early to rattle him.

The Buckeyes offense will be fine even though they are breaking in new starters.  What will be interesting is seeing how the unit reverts back to being more balanced.

It may take a series or two for Justin Fields to get going, but he will find his rhythm and take control early.   J.K Dobbins will have 20-25 carries.

Pick:  Ohio State wins 47-13.

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