Ohio State Football: Week 1 predictions vs. Florida Atlantic

Every year those of us at Scarlet And Game make our predictions on the Ohio State game each week so here are our first ones of the season.

My nemesis, and buddy, Thomas Scurlock beat me picking scores of Ohio State games last season and that still ticks me off. But since he is the reigning champion I have to let him go first.

Tom:

A long off-season for Ohio State has finally come to a close. A new era is beginning and Ryan Day’s vision for this program begins against Florida Atlantic.

There is only so much we can take from the first game, but Buckeye Nation will get a hint of the team’s attitude, determination and focus.

Defensively, I expect to see a fast unit that flies to ball and tackles well. That is needed against Lane Kiffin who will use spread formations and play up tempo.

Running back B.J. Emmons, the transfer from Alabama, is the Owls’ best weapon. How well the defense does in containing him will tell us a lot about the improvements the new staff has made in correcting the unit’s most glaring issue in 2018.

Offensively, we’ll likely see Kevin Wilson and Day trying to get Justin Fields comfortable and into a rhythm early with high-percentage plays. As he settles into the game, they will open it up.

The offense will have more balance this year. J.K. Dobbins will get between 20-25 carries and go over 100 yards in three quarters of work.

After a competitive first quarter, the Buckeyes will take control and dominate.

Pick: Ohio State wins 47-13.

Blake Biscardi:

Buckeye football is back and so is a load of talent. Ryan Day and the new look Ohio State squad will showcase a creative offense led by Justin Fields and JK Dobbins.

Though everyone expects to see Fields use his legs, I don’t foresee many designed QB runs — I expect the offense to be simple and effective to get the guys comfortable while hanging close to 50 on the owls.

The Silver Bullets will show out in full force. It will be very difficult to run inside in the Buckeyes all year and that will be no different tomorrow. FAU shouldn’t rush for over a hundred yards and I expect the Ohio State defense to make a statement to Lane Kiffin and not give up 250 yards of total offense.

Ryan Day gets his first official win as a head coach as the Buckeyes roll. Ohio State 48 Florida Atlantic 13

Peter Burtnett:

JK Dobbins takes the pressure off Fields by dominating on the ground in the first half, allowing for the aerial attack to take off in the second half. Owls offense gets one or two big plays, but don’t have what it takes to stay in the game, getting a TD or 2 in garbage time to lessen the defeat. Buckeyes win big. 48-20. ”

Nate Thomson:

More from Ohio State Football

At long last, fans finally get to see the new-look Buckeyes take the field against Florida Atlantic. At first glance, one would assume this matchup to be an early tune-up game with little need to worry about an upset, and one would assume correctly.

Florida Atlantic appears to be outclassed in every facet of the game by our beloved Buckeyes, but expect a small amount of turbulence to begin the game. With a mostly new offensive line and a new quarterback under center, expect a little bit of growing pains early in the first quarter.

Florida Atlantic hangs in there for a few possessions before The Ohio State Buckeyes get down to brass tax and blow the hinges off of this one. Expect Fields to have plenty of pass attempts as well while he gets acclimated to a new system. Buckeyes win 52-21.

CL:

As usual, these young guys have things all wrong. The Ohio State Buckeyes will make a case they are serious contenders to make the College Football Playoff right off the bat.

Ryan Day will have the offense rolling and with the new defensive coaches the Silver Bullets will be back. Buckeyes roll 59-13.

dark. Next. Buckeyes in the NFL pre-season wrap

I think the Ryan Day era comes in with a bang. Which one of us do you agree with?

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