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

By Jake Mitchell

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Acting head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Acting head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 20: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to LJ Scott #3 for a first quarter run while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 20: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to LJ Scott #3 for a first quarter run while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

This is a tough two-week stretch, but a bye week will follow for Ohio State. Before the break, they’ll have to host Mark Dantonio’s Spartan team. This team has a wealth of experience, returning nine offensive starters and eight on the defensive side.

Senior quarterback Brian Lewerke is hoping to finish his career with a victory in Columbus. He played through injury for a large portion of the 2018 season, but he’ll be back at 100 percent this year. On his career, Lewerke has thrown for 5,214 yards and 30 touchdowns. He’s accomplished a lot in his time in East Lansing, but a win in this one would be the icing on the cake.

Justin Fields is going to need to have a big game, as the Spartans will do their best to limit the running lanes for JK Dobbins. Michigan State’s defense ranked first nationally against the run in 2018, so that battle up front will be a key matchup.

Prediction: Win (5-1, 2-1)

This will be a tough matchup, but the Buckeyes will certainly be aided by the home-field advantage. If they are indeed coming back from a loss to Nebraska, Day will have this team refocused and ready to bounce back in a big spot at home.

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