4. Ohio State Buckeyes 10-2 (7-2 Big Ten)
Since Ryan Day took over, Ohio State has been competitive, but they aren’t a juggernaut like years past. This season should follow suit.
- Biggest Wins: #25 Iowa, Nebraska, #9 Michigan
Ohio State should still finish with a good record of 10-2 overall and 7-2 in the Big Ten, but even their biggest wins are a bit bland.
I think the Buckeyes could knock off No. 25 Iowa and No. 9 Michigan. Both teams might not be ranked when they play, and they are both home contests.
Don’t be shocked if Nebraska is ranked, and this is a big game in primetime on October 26. The Cornhuskers will be pretty good in 2024, and Ohio State will need this win. I think the Buckeyes’ best win of the year could be against Nebraska.
- Biggest Losses: @ #3 Oregon, @ #8 Penn State
It is understandable losing to top 10 teams. Road games in the Big Ten are difficult to win. Ohio State could struggle mightily against Oregon. I think the Ducks have an elite team. A three-hour time change is difficult to adjust to as well.
Penn State will finally get the best of Ohio State this season too. The Nittany Lions have a lot of talent returning, and that chemistry is invaluable. This is Penn State’s time to shine.
- Biggest Threats: @ #3 Oregon, Nebraska, @ #8 Penn State
There is a reason I think Ohio State can go 10-2 this season. It is not that I think they are a great team. I believe this program has a fairly easy schedule besides a few games.
Outside of the Oregon, Nebraska, and Penn State games, I think the Buckeyes will be able to go unscathed. The response to the loss to Oregon on October 12 will be telling. The next two games are against Nebraska and Penn State. This three-game stretch will determine whether or not Ohio State makes the College Football Playoff.