Ohio State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019 season

So much of this game goes without saying. There are two rivalries in college football that just feel bigger than all the rest, and along with the Iron Bowl, Ohio State vs. Michigan is one of them. This game has such a rich history, but the present is equally exciting.

The Buckeyes have owned this rivalry, as Michigan’s last win came in 2011. For the first time in recent memory, it appears that the Wolverines may have the advantage.

That advantage comes with the potential for quarterback Shea Patterson. There were moments of struggle, but he completed 64.6 percent of his passes and threw for 22 touchdowns. Patterson is a very gifted player, but he didn’t adjust to the offense well in his first year with Jim Harbaugh.

Now in year two, Patterson will be far more comfortable in the offense. He’ll also be throwing to a couple of strong weapons in Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Prediction: Loss (10-2, 7-2)

All streaks come to an end, and that will happen in the Big House this year. Harbaugh has been unable to defeat Ohio State and go on to the conference title game, but if there is a year to break through, it is this one. If Harbaugh can’t defeat a rookie head coach and a first-year starting quarterback, when will he get it done against the Buckeyes?

Projected Record: 10-2, 7-2 Big Ten

Most schools would love to get to ten wins, but standards are high in Columbus. This prediction isn’t an indictment of Ryan Day or Justin Fields, and they will likely reach the playoff in 2020. However, as this program undergoes change at the two biggest spots, a couple of roadblocks are likely to pop up.