Week 1 in college football is finally upon us. The Ohio State Buckeyes start their season ranked first in the country, and they have their eyes set on a national championship. While LSU thinks the only way they can compete is to add former NFL players, the Buckeyes are content with their roster.
Heading into Week 1, the Buckeyes shouldn't have any issues beating Ball State. However, there is a matter of what stats they might be able to put up and who could end up making a big impression on the coaching staff. With that in mind, there are some bold predictions that could come to fruition.
1. Julian Sayin will throw for 250+ yards in the first half
Heading into the season, Ohio State is expected to have one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Julian Sayin is a big reason for that. He was a Heisman Finalist a year ago, and he still has Jeremiah Smith to throw the ball to. A host of other receivers have impressed the coaching staff in the last few weeks, as well.
Sayin should have very little resistance from Ball State's secondary, and Sayin will put up at least 250 passing yards in the first half. With how much the team has focused on getting yards after the catch, expect to see a lot of mesh routes and slants. Sayin has a strong enough arm to make those routes work.
Sayin likely won't play much in the second half, if at all. Once he shows that he has knocked off the rust, he will take a seat on the bench to prevent any risk of injury. That leads to the second bold prediction for this game.
2. Tavien St. Clair takes a stranglehold on the backup QB job
Ryan Day has refused to name an official backup to Sayin. He claims that both Tavien St. Clair and true freshman Luke Fahey are still battling for that spot. However, it's clear that St. Clair has more physical tools at his disposal, which he showed during the Spring Game.
While the game will be out of hand on the scoreboard, Day will want his two other quarterbacks to throw the ball and get reps. St. Clair might even throw for a couple of touchdowns while he's out there. Regardless, he will show that he is clearly the right choice to be the backup and the future starter once Sayin leaves.
3. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. records three sacks
The only returning starter on the defensive line is Kenyatta Jackson Jr. He is the most experienced defensive end that the Buckeyes have. Ball State's offensive line just doesn't have the athletes to deal with someone who has the speed and power that Jackson Jr. possesses.
By the time he gets off the field in the second half, Jackson Jr. will have recorded three sacks in this game. He will show that he will be a threat to get to the quarterback all season long, no matter who the Buckeyes play. That would certainly be a statement in Week 1.
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