For what is likely the final time this season, the Ohio State football team will host a night game at the Shoe. UCLA is the opponent, and they have been playing much better since making a head coaching change. They have an upset in mind, especially with some questionable weather in the forecast.
The Ohio State Buckeyes believe that they shouldn't have any issues with this game, even if the weather is poor. As the number-one team in the country, they feel well-equipped to beat anyone that they face, especially at home. The oddsmakers believe that to be true, as well.
According to DraftKings, the Buckeyes are 31.5-point favorites. That's up two points from where it opened. The Bruins are looking to pull up the upset of the season, a few weeks after they started the unraveling of Penn State that ultimately led to James Franklin's firing.
Final prediction: Ohio State football 45 UCLA 6
Under no circumstances should this game be close. Even if it does rain during the game, Ohio State has done a very good job of taking care of the ball this season. Julian Sayin will let it fly before that and should be able to help the Buckeyes rack up a sizable lead.
Bo Jackson has shown some really good bursts this season, but the Buckeyes haven't had a truly dominant rushing performance yet this season. Perhaps this is the game that they get one because the weather might force them to keep it on the ground.
Regardless of what the Buckeyes do offensively, UCLA won't be able to move the ball on their defense. Ohio State has the number-one defense in the country. Nico Iamaleava has seen this defense before, and the Buckeyes know how to make him panic.
This game could get ugly early, just as last year's matchup with Iamaleava did. There might be a lot of empty seats after halftime when the rain really starts to come down.