Ohio State Football: Post-spring 2019 game-by-game predictions

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ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Remember when Luke Fickell was leading Ohio State to a mediocre record in the year transition from Jim Tressel to Urban Meyer? He looked like he was in over his head, but he was also in a tough position with NCAA sanctions hitting Ohio State.

Now Fickell is at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to an 11-2 record a season ago with a Military Bowl win over Virginia Tech. They look like a much better program than people expected when Fickell took the job two years ago as he went from 4-8 to 11-2 in just one season. That kind of turnaround has everyone paying close attention.

Can Fickell sneak up and steal a win over his former team in The Shoe? It’s possible, but I just don’t think the Bearcats will have enough offensive firepower to overcome the Buckeyes.

Cincinnati did rank 23rd in scoring offense and total offense a year ago, but the Buckeyes’ defense will be strong yet again and I see Chase Young having a career game here with three sacks and six total tackles.

This game will be interesting for a half, but Ohio State pulls away late.

Final Score: Cincinnati 20, Ohio State 38 (2-0)

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