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Ohio State football: Game-by-game previews

By Peter Burtnett

Ohio State, led by start quarterback Justin Fields (1), was ranked No. 2 in the preseason coaches poll. Now, the Buckeyes and other Big Ten teams will remain idle until at least next spring.ghows-CK-200819941-1a1c9dc7.jpg
Ohio State, led by start quarterback Justin Fields (1), was ranked No. 2 in the preseason coaches poll. Now, the Buckeyes and other Big Ten teams will remain idle until at least next spring.ghows-CK-200819941-1a1c9dc7.jpg /
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Ohio State never seems to have an issue with Maryland, and this season shouldn’t be any different. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Ohio State never seems to have an issue with Maryland, and this season shouldn’t be any different. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Game 3: Nov. 7 vs. Rutgers

At this point, you just have to feel bad for Rutgers. Last year, they once again went winless in Big Ten play, ranking no better than 11th in the key offensive and defensive yards per game categories.

The Scarlet Knights do return 15 starters and gain Ohio State transfer safety Brendon White, but a QB combo of Johnny Langan and Artur Sitkowski that combined for just 1229 yards, 5 TDs, and 11 INTs will be in trouble, even against an Ohio State secondary that faces heavy losses.

On defense, the Scarlet Knights allowed 433.6 yards per game, and that likely won’t improve too much. Head coach Greg Schiano has already proven he can win at Rutgers – albeit a decade ago – but this team isn’t ready to hang within 30 of the Buckeyes.

Ohio State 52, Rutgers 7

Game 4: Nov. 14 at Maryland

In their last match-up in College Park, the game came down to a two-point conversion attempt in overtime. Maryland fell short of a massive upset in a 52-51 loss.

Two years later, the Terrapins might actually be worse, though Mike Locksley could work wonders as head coach. Maryland did have a strong rushing attack last year, but their two leading rushers, Javon Leake and Anthony McFarland Jr., are both gone, and a poor defense will only make matters worse.

With a pass defense that ranked 116th nationally, this should be another opportunity for Fields to shred a defense, and the Buckeyes should run away with this game.

Ohio State 49, Maryland 17

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