Ohio State Football: 5 reasons why the Buckeyes will struggle in 2017

Ohio State football is expected to do big things in 2017, but what are the possible reasons that the Buckeyes might disappoint.

There’s high expectations for the Ohio State Buckeyes entering the 2017 season since they were ranked No. 2 in the first edition of the Amway Coaches Poll. They had a rough finish to the 2016 campaign with a 31-0 loss to the eventual National Champion Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff Semifinals.

It was somewhat surprising that Ohio State was in the Playoff field in the first place since they didn’t even win their conference. Actually, Ohio State was not even in the Big Ten Championship Game as it was Penn State beating Wisconsin in the title game.

Since the Buckeyes’ only regular season loss came against Penn State, and they defeated the Oklahoma Sooners, Michigan Wolverines and the Wisconsin Badgers, during the regular season, it did make sense to put them in the top four. Ohio State was easily the best team in the country that did not win their conference, and their resume backed it.

Ohio State enters 2017 as the favorite to walk away with the Big Ten Championship. Penn State and Wisconsin should challenge them once again, but the Buckeyes are the clear cut favorite right now.

If the Buckeyes slip up on even one occasion, it could cost them their opportunity at another appearance in the Playoff. The Playoff committee likely won’t be as nice in letting Ohio State into the field this year if they do not win the Big Ten.

Now, let’s take a look at five reasons why the Ohio State Buckeyes will stink in 2017.