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Ohio State Football: Biggest challengers to Buckeyes in Big Ten East

By Alex Austin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Ohio State Buckeyes fan known as Buck I Guy is seen during the Big Ten Football Championship against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Ohio State Buckeyes fan known as Buck I Guy is seen during the Big Ten Football Championship against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Ohio State football team has won three straight Big Ten Championships and are the early favorites to again during the 2020 season. But there are going to be some challengers to get to the top again lead by old rivals Penn State and Michigan.

Ryan Day started off his tenure as the head coach of the Ohio State football team with an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten championship. It is hard to imagine a 2020 season that is better, but winning another Big Ten title is always a goal for the Buckeyes.

There will be some tough competition for Ohio State to win a fourth straight championship. Let’s start with Big Ten East teams we can rule out.

Rutgers, Maryland and Michigan State don’t have a chance. All of these teams are in rebuilding mode and there is just too much of a talent gap to overcome to challenge Ohio State throughout an entire season.

The next level of competition comes from Michigan and Indiana. Both of these teams have higher floors and ceilings than the previous group, but both come with major question marks.

Michigan will be trying out a new quarterback. The real issues I see with the Wolverines is that they have yet to have success on a big stage. They have shown they are light years behind the Buckeyes in “The Game” the last few years.

Indiana seems to always play the big programs close but has not been able to consistently win. The Hoosiers typically beat lower level Big Ten competition, so if they can put together a few games, and chaos happens among the top-tier teams they have a chance.

The biggest challenge to Ohio State’s crown is Penn State. The Nittany Lions were the second best team in the division last year and they are bringing back tons of talent.

Sean Clifford will be coming back to lead the offense with a stable of running backs. The defense will once again be dominate which will keep Penn State competitive.

Ohio State is the favorite again in 2020, but will face Penn State in Happy Valley which is one of the most difficult places to play in college football.

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Do you think the Buckeyes lose their crown? If so, which team is most likely to take over as Big Ten East champions.

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