Ohio State Football vs. Tulsa: Final predictions

The Ohio State football team takes on Tulsa today after a tumultuous week around the program following the loss to Oregon last Saturday. Luckily for them, they have an easy opponent this week to work on some things. They have a lot to work on.

The offense needs to work on putting the ball in the end zone at the end of drives. The Buckeyes failed to convert on fourth down three times last week, including two in field goal territory. If they’re going to be so aggressive, they have to be able to punch it in all the way.

Ohio State needs to run the ball better this week. The offensive line had trouble opening up holes against Oregon, so the backs had nowhere to go. That shouldn’t be a problem against a Tulsa team that doesn’t have as much talent, but that still needs to improve.

We obviously know the defense needs to. Kerry Coombs has had a lot of noise surrounding him and his performance as defensive coordinator. It seems like he’s lost his playcalling duties and Matt Barnes is the person who is most likely to take those up.

Game prediction: Ohio State 49 Tulsa 21

I don’t expect the Buckeyes to be that improved on defense quite yet. I just don’t know what to expect from them after all that’s happened this week. The offense should be able to move the ball at will though. C.J. Stroud should once again put up solid numbers.

It’s going to be hard to gauge any improvements that this defense has had with Tulsa being so bad. I don’t think we’re going to learn if any changes make any difference until Big Ten play starts in a couple of weeks against Rutgers.

All I know is that the Buckeyes better cover.