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Ohio State Football: 5 reasons why Buckeyes will beat Oklahoma

By Connor Muldowney

BLOOMINGTON, IN - AUGUST 31: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a two point conversion during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - AUGUST 31: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a two point conversion during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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After an opening win against Indiana on the road, Ohio State football hosts Oklahoma in Week 2. Here’s why the Buckeyes will win.

Opening the season with a convincing win — at least in the second half — against Indiana, Ohio State football has built up some confidence. That’s a good thing seeing as the Buckeyes will be hosting one of the nation’s top teams: No. 7 Oklahoma.

Columbus will be rocking on Saturday night as the rematch from last year’s Buckeye victory in Norman will be on the minds of the Sooners. Bob Stoops is no longer roaming the sidelines, though. Oklahoma’s long-time head coach retired in the offseason, leaving the team to Lincoln Riley.

Both teams fared well in Week 1, but only one faced another Power Five squad as the Buckeyes notched their first Big Ten win of the year. Will they repeat what they did last year against Oklahoma?

Here’s why Ohio State will beat Oklahoma on Saturday night.

5. Tougher Week 1 opponent to prepare

Ohio State hit the road to face one of the Big Ten’s up-and-coming programs in Bloomington. Indiana was out-playing the Buckeyes early on, but Ohio State turned things around in the second half thanks to a 36-7 run. The Buckeyes ended up winning big, but the score was a bit deceiving.

Indiana arguably has a better defense than Oklahoma and the offense was a nice warm-up for what the Sooners are about to bring to Columbus. The Buckeyes are well-prepared to face another top-tier offensive attack and this time, they will be ready.

On the other hand, Oklahoma played UTEP. While the Miners are at least an FBS opponent, the Sooners got a fraction of the test on both sides of the ball that Ohio State did. The Buckeyes are equipped to handle what Oklahoma will run out, even if Baker Mayfield’s completion rate is 95 percent through one week.

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