The Ohio State Buckeyes have not been pushed much during the 2025 season so far. OSU has been as dominant as possible in their 7-0 start.
Could that be a problem when the pressure ratchets up for "The Game" and the College Football Playoff?
ESPN's Bill Connelly didn't outright say it, but he danced around the idea while noting that Ohio State's next four opponents, the Penn State Nittany Lions, Purdue Boilermakers, UCLA Bruins, and Rutgers Scarlet Knights, won't provide much of a challenge to the Buckeyes.
"Wisconsin's offense was never going to threaten the best defense in the country -- the Badgers gained just 144 total yards and took just nine snaps in Ohio State territory (yards gained in those snaps: 6) -- so there was no downside to stretching Sayin out a bit. He averaged only 10.9 yards per completion, and Smith is still averaging just 9.4 yards per catch and 6.9 yards per target against power-conference opponents. For that matter, the Buckeyes' run game is producing almost no explosive plays, but one assumes the passing game will provide more than enough explosiveness if it's ever asked to, especially as Sayin, the redshirt freshman, grows in confidence," Connelly wrote.
"Of course, we might have to wait a while to confirm that. Ohio State gets a bye week, then four straight games against teams with losing records (Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers). Three of those games are at home, and three of those opponents rank worse than 65th in SP+. Anyone craving a glimpse at fifth-gear Ohio State is probably going to have to wait at least another month."
Julian Sayin gaining confidence is great and all, but confidence gained picking apart defenses like he's faced, versus confidence gained by dissecting top defenses, is a different beast. TTUN will be a great regular season test, and the Big Ten Championship Game should also provide a strong challenge, likely in the Indiana Hoosiers. Those two games, plus their Week 1 win against the Texas Longhorns, will better prepare OSU for the CFP than the rest of their schedule combined.
Ryan Day, Brian Hartline, and Matt Patricia have done great with the hand that was dealt to them with the 2025 slate, but they'll have to focus in on November 29 and after.
All the dominance displayed thus far will quickly be forgotten if they falter at the finish line. Just ask the 2024 Oregon Ducks.