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Ohio State Football: Week 2 predictions vs. Cincinnati

By Charlie Lockhart

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on following the game against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on November 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on following the game against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on November 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a pass for a first down in the second quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at Ohio Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches a pass for a first down in the second quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at Ohio Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Blake: Ohio State raced out of the gate to start the Ryan Day era scoring 28 points virtually immediately against FAU. This Saturday, however, the Buckeyes will have their hands full with the Luke Fickell-led Bearcats.

Being an in-state foe always adds an extra layer to the competition. But to add even more to the storylines for Saturday, Fickell is an Ohio State legend who also served as the interim head coach in 2011 for the Buckeyes.

Coach Fick will have his group ready to play with emotions running high. I’m expecting a back and forth game that will stay within the point spread (-16) most of the way.

Ohio State has too much talent and depth for Cincinnati who will try to slow down Justin Fields and the Buckeyes’ high octane offense with their stifling defense. Cincy only allowed 218 yards against UCLA last week.

Ryan Day will try to spread the field and create mismatches in space to create numbers in the run game to get his team humming and to open up the passing game. I also expect Chris Olave and Jeremy Ruckert to have big roles again this week.

Look for Justin Fields to be in control and Dobbins to be effective on the ground as they muscle the Buckeyes to a score late and a hard-fought victory in The Shoe to move to 2-0.

Ohio State 34 Cincinnati 17

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