Ohio State football: Big Ten East Week 4 predictions
Every week I will make my predictions for Big Ten games. Next up is the East Division and Ohio State is once again a heavy favorite.
Let’s begin with Ohio State (-39) vs. Miami, the Ohio kind.
With apologies to Mike Leach, Redhawks coach Chuck Martin had the quote of the year while describing this game, “It’s kind of like going to recess and they have the first 85 picks.”
The keys to this game are coming out fast, and playing with focus and urgency.
The starters need to be out by halftime.
The Buckeyes passed a test last week by dominating a road game against an opponent that normally plays them tough.
They need to pass another test this week by not letting up against a vastly outmatched team.
I think they handle it and win big. Ohio State wins 59-13.
Now, how will Indiana bounce back after a bad loss?
Indiana (-27) vs. UConn
The Hoosiers didn’t exactly play like Buster Douglas last week in the 55-10 loss.
They can look like Mike Tyson circa 1987 against the Huskies if they recovered mentally from getting kicked in the teeth.
UConn is 1-1 with a loss to Illinois. Its defense is decent allowing 26.0 points-per-game. The offense is terrible averaging just 23.5 points-per-game.
This is a critical game for Indiana. Going 3-0 is a must to realistically have a shot at a bowl season.
I expect a close first half and then the offense gets hot in the third building a sizable lead.
Hoosiers roll to a 37-16 win, but don’t cover.
Rutgers vs. Boston College (-8)
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After exploding for 554 yards and 48 points in its season opening win against UMass, Rutgers was unable to mount any form of offense two weeks ago against Iowa getting blasted 30-0.
Boston College looked good in wins over Virginia Tech and Richmond and then laid an egg at home last week against Kansas losing 48-24.
The win snapped the Jayhawks streak of 48-straight road losses against Power Five programs.
If the Scarlet Knights lose this game, it will be another dismal season and likely the end of Chris Ash’s tenure.
A win could build some confidence for a team that needs to prove that it can hang with the lower tier teams in conference.
Next. This Buckeye team is putting the country on notice. dark
The Scarlet Knights play well but fall late. Boston College wins 31-27 but Rutgers covers.