Predicting the Ohio State football team's final ten games after the bye week

After a dominant start to the 2024 season, crushing Akron 52-6 and shutting out Western Michigan 56-0, Ohio State heads into their bye week, riding a wave of confidence. With the offense firing on all cylinders and the defense showing its teeth, the Buckeyes are fulfilling their expectations to be a strong contender for the Big Ten title, a spot in the College Football Playoff, and the National Championship.

However, their schedule only gets tougher from here. Ohio State has ten games remaining, including high-stakes matchups against Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan, and tricky conference showdowns that could threaten their unbeaten record.

Sat, Sep 21 vs Marshall

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State is 1-0 against Marshall, with their last meeting in 2004.

Marshall's storied history and excellent coaching staff under Charles Huff make this an interesting test. Despite Marshall’s solid start to the season, Ohio State’s offense will likely overwhelm the Thundering Herd. Expect the Buckeyes’ high-powered attack to dominate early and cruise to victory.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 49-3

Sat, Sep 28 @ Michigan State

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State is 37-15 against Michigan State and has won the last eight matchups.

First-year head coach Jonathan Smith has Michigan State trending upward, and freshman QB Aidan Chiles has shown flashes of brilliance. However, the Spartans’ defense will struggle to contain Ohio State’s balanced offense. Ryan Day’s squad should put up points quickly and often, while Michigan State’s turnovers will prevent them from mounting a serious challenge.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 52-10

Sat, Oct 5 vs Iowa

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State holds a 47-15-3 lead in the series, but the 2017 upset loss is still fresh in Buckeye fans' memories.

Iowa’s offense continues to sputter, and unless quarterback Cade McNamara finds a rhythm, it’s difficult to see the Hawkeyes putting up much of a fight. The Ohio State football team's defense, anchored by a dominant defensive line, should have little trouble shutting down Iowa’s one-dimensional attack, and the Buckeyes will roll to an easy win.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 42-0

Sat, Oct 12 @ Oregon

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State is 9-1 against Oregon, but the Ducks won the last meeting in 2021.

This game was thought to be Ohio State’s toughest test of the regular season, but with Oregon's recent struggles, I am more confident than ever that Ohio State will exit Eugene with one more win. Oregon’s talent and explosive playmakers could create problems for the Buckeyes, especially on the road. However, if Ohio State can establish its ground game and limit turnovers, they’ll have the upper hand in a tight, defensive battle.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 27-17

Sat, Oct 26 vs Nebraska

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State is 9-1 against Nebraska, with seven straight wins in the series.

Nebraska's defense impressed in early season action, and five-star QB Dylan Raiola has shown flashes of his potential. However, Ohio State's defense is more than capable of containing the young quarterback, while their offense should break through the Cornhuskers' stout front. Expect a closer game than most, but still a comfortable win for the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 27-10

Sat, Nov 2 @ Penn State

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State leads the series 24-14 and is riding a seven-game winning streak.

Playing at Happy Valley is never easy, but Ohio State’s experience in high-pressure environments should help them handle the raucous atmosphere. Penn State’s running game will keep this contest competitive, but their passing attack has been inconsistent. If Ohio State forces them to be one-dimensional, they’ll control the tempo and pull away late.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 31-13

Sat, Nov 9 vs Purdue

MATCHUP HISTORY: Although Ohio State is 41-15-2, Purdue has beaten Ohio State 5 times since 2000, a feat only Penn State and Michigan can say they have accomplished, and Michigan had to cheat to do so!

Purdue QB Hudson Card has had a strong start to the season, but Ohio State’s defense should present a much tougher challenge than the Boilermakers have faced so far. Purdue’s high-flying offense could make things interesting early, but the Buckeyes will eventually wear them down and cruise to another convincing victory.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 34-10

Sat, Nov 16 @ Northwestern

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State is 65-14-1 and riding a 10-game win streak. The Buckeyes have only beaten Illinois (68) more times than they have beaten Northwestern.

Northwestern has struggled mightily this season, and while the Wildcats have shown some fight, their offense lacks the firepower to keep pace with Ohio State. The Buckeyes will likely dominate from start to finish, shutting down Northwestern’s limited offensive threats while piling on points in a lopsided contest.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 45-0

Sat, Nov 23 vs Indiana

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State is currently on a 28-game winning streak vs Indiana.

Indiana’s offense looked explosive against weaker competition, but Ohio State’s defense presents an entirely different challenge. This could present a trap game advantage for Indiana as the Buckeyes could look ahead to Michigan. Still, Ohio State is so focused on such a mission this year that the Hoosier's struggles in recent years have been no fluke, and they still present not much of a threat to compete with the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes will control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and secure a comfortable win at home.

Although Curt Cignetti thinks “Ohio State sucks”, he will learn his lesson come November 23rd.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 38-10

Sat, Nov 30 vs Michigan

MATCHUP HISTORY: Ohio State only has a losing record to Michigan of all the opponents left on its schedule, 61-51-6, with its last win coming in 2019. However, Michigan is undoubtedly in hot water with its recent wins, and if wins are vacated, this record could look different by game time.

The rivalry showdown in “The Game” is always intense, and Michigan will present the toughest challenge on Ohio State’s schedule. With both teams eyeing a spot in the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff, expect a hard-fought battle.

The Wolverines’ struggles in the trenches, however, could be the key difference as Ohio State looks to reclaim supremacy in the rivalry. Ryan Day might not hang 100 on Michigan, but he’ll certainly aim to make a statement.

Prediction: Ohio State wins 35-13

Final Thoughts:

Ohio State has all the tools to run the table in 2024, with a dynamic offense and an elite defense. While matchups against Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan will test their resolve, the Buckeyes are poised to navigate their schedule unscathed, setting them up for a shot at the College Football Playoff.