Ohio Sate football aims to extend 21-year season-opening win streak

The Ohio State football team opens the season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Minnesota with the expectation of breaking in a new backfield and gaining momentum heading into the home opener against Oregon next Saturday. The Buckeyes, who haven’t lost a season opener since 1999 against Miami, are 14-point favorites prior to the matchup with Minnesota.

The most notable change on Ohio State’s offense is obviously C.J. Stroud, who was announced as the starter a couple weeks ago. Despite not having a ton of experience, Stroud is an ultra-dynamic quarterback that will fit perfectly into Ryan Day’s offense alongside arguably the two best wide receivers in the country: Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.

“Ohio State has a tremendous amount of talent on the roster right now, especially in the wide receiver room. I met Chris Olave, Garret Wilson, and C.J. Stroud. I’m looking forward to seeing how that pass game develops after losing Justin Fields,” said Aamil Wagner, 2022 4-star prospect. “I want to see if they’ll be able to move on and progress forward.”

Even beyond Olave and Wilson, the Buckeyes have more receiver depth than any team in the country (only rivaled by Oklahoma). Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming should see more touches in their sophomore season, while coveted freshman Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. will certainly get some run.

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The other skill positions are in a bit more flux as Master Teague and Miyan Williams are potential starters at running back with 5-star freshman TreVeyon Henderson on their heels. With the loss of Luke Farrell at tight end, Jeremy Ruckert will need a backup. Gee Scott, a former 4-star wide receiver prospect, and Cade Stover are likely options.

Farrell told me what he expects to see from the Ohio State offense: “I know the tight ends are going to continue to play at a high level. Jeremy is going to have a big year. I’m excited to watch it. I didn’t get a ton of time to watch CJ with a limited offseason and mostly working with Justin, but I know he’s a really good dude and works hard.”

Minnesota’s defense will look to frustrate and get after Stroud in his first career start. Esezi Otomewo and Boye Mafe can be disruptive edge rushers, combining for 12.5 sacks in three seasons. PJ Fleck’s defense was abysmal a year ago, allowing 6.9 yards per play, but fifth-year seniors Coney Durr and Calvin Swenson return with hope for improvement.

Ohio State’s offensive line, led by senior captain Thayer Munford and center Harry Miller, will be tasked with containing Minnesota’s attack in the road environment. Munford is likely moving from left tackle to left guard, while Dawand Jones (right tackle), Paris Johnson Jr., and Nicholas Petit-Frere (left tackle) are also expected to start per Bill Rabinowitz.

On the defensive line, the Buckeyes are loaded and will be looking to limit All-Big Ten running back Mohamed Ibrahim and senior quarterback Tanner Morgan. Larry Johnson boasts the most dynamic edge rushers in the conference with returners Zach Harrison, Tyreke Smith, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, in addition to polished freshman JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.

Wagner also talked about the 5-star freshman from Pickerington: “As far as defense, I’m looking forward to seeing Jack Sawyer. Hopefully he gets on the field a lot as a freshman and shows how great of an athlete he is. I’m excited to see what he can do at the college level and for the Buckeyes this season.”

dark. Next. OSU linebackers will be tested vs. Minnesota

Ohio State does continue to have questions in the secondary and linebacker, which the Golden Gophers will look to exploit. According to Andy Greder, Minnesota go-to receiver Chris Autman-Bell is a game-time decision with a leg injury. Sevyn Banks, Cam Brown, Josh Proctor, and Lathan Ransom will be counted on to shut down the Minnesota receivers.

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