It is an interesting period in Ohio State Football. With a new coach and no hopes of a postseason appearance this is a year of change for the Buckeyes.
But a talented young team comes back ready to prove itself, and set the stage for a bright future. With less than a month until the start of the season, practice has begun and excitement is growing.
For the next 3 weeks leading into the season I will be previewing 4 games at a time for the upcoming season.
Ohio State v. Miami (OH) September 1st-
The Redhawks will come into the shoe with an experienced offensive side looking to pull the monumental upset. Unfortunately for Miami they have never faced a team as talented as this Buckeyes squad. No amount of experience can make up for the pure difference in talent between these two squads.
Even for a Buckeye squad that will still be getting used to a brand new system under Urban Meyer, this will be a cake walk.
Even without starter Jordan Hall the ground game should start off the season where it left off last year. But look for Braxton Miller to light up the scoreboard through the air and build some confidence for the rest of the season.
No Ohio school has beaten the Buckeyes since Oberlin in 1921. Don’t expect that to change.
Ohio State 45 Miami (OH) 7
Ohio State v. Central Florida September 8th-
Central Florida is a step up from Miami, but that doesn’t mean they can challenge the Buckeyes.
After making it to a bowl for 2 of the last 3 seasons Central Florida comes into the season with high expectations. Hoping to improve on a 5-7 season the Knights will be hoping to catch the Buckeyes looking ahead to Cal the following week.
That will most likely allow for Central Florida to jump out to an early lead and worry some Buckeye faithful. But it won’t last for long as Braxton Miller will lead a comeback in the 2nd quarter to take a close game into the half.
The close game won’t last as Ohio State realizes who they are and blow out UCF after the break. Look for the passing stats to be huge for the 2nd straight game. Braxton Miller creeps onto the short list of Heisman hopefuls early in the year.
Ohio State 35 Central Florida 14
Ohio State v. California September 15th-
This is it. This is the first real test for the Buckeyes under Urban Meyer.
While it may not be as high profile as USC a couple of years ago, don’t sleep on Cal. The defense returns a strong unit that should be much improved from last season. But the real danger they pose is on offense.
Zach Maynard may very well be the best QB the Buckeyes face until November, and he is coupled with stud receiver Keenan Allen. Although not as explosive as Oregon or USC the Golden Bears are always a threat to score.
That in mind, Ohio State will struggle early again and be down going into half time. But Urban will find a way to rally the troops as Carlos Hyde has his breakthrough game, leading the Buckeyes to a 4th come from behind victory.
Ohio State 24 California 21
Ohio State v. Alabama Birmingham September 22nd-
This is the game that fans will be looking forward to. It is not a real challenge for Urban Meyer but it is the first game that his offensive prowess will be on full display.
UAB had one of the worst scoring defenses in the country last season and things won’t improve much this year. Coming off of a beat down at the hands of South Carolina the previous weak things will not get better in Columbus.
Braxton Miller will continue to put up impressive numbers and a true number one receiver will show himself in Corey Brown. Don’t expect the starters to play more than a half, if they get that far.
With another great outing, Braxton will continue to be near the top of Heisman hopefuls heading into Big Ten play.
Ohio State 56 Alabama Birmingham 0