Ohio State Football: Bold predictions for OSU vs. Minnesota
By Alex Austin
Ohio State has a three-touchdown lead going into halftime
There are many people who believe Ohio State and Minnesota will play a close game with the Buckeyes pulling away late in the game. Most people site C.J. Stroud never throwing a collegiate pass and the Ohio State defense really needing to take a step forward. While all those are true, that does not do justice to the team as a whole.
C.J. Stroud beat out a loaded quarterback room to earn the starting job. It is true he has never thrown a pass in a college game, however, I think credit is due here. Ryan Day has developed strong quarterbacks who had limited playing time before becoming starters. Stroud may have a few jitters, but he will look fine.
A simple selection of plays is likely on the docket to ease everyone into the season, but at the end of the day, the talent on Ohio State’s side is too great. Throwing simple five-yard patterns to get the ball to Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a worst-case scenario that will allow the playmakers to move.
On defense, Minnesota will have to rely on the rushing game, which should allow the Buckeyes to be in the right position and pushing Mohamed Ibrahim. Buckeyes jump to an early lead. My next bold prediction has to do with an individual rather than the team.