Ohio State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Cincinnati in Week 2

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COLUMBUS, OH – AUGUST 31: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes completes a pass to K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes for a first down in the third quarter against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Florida Atlantic 45-21. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

1. Buckeye stars will play well — because they have to

This might not seem as if this a bold prediction, but if the Buckeyes’ star players have a half or three quarters like their second quarter against Florida Atlantic, they could very well lose this game.

The Bearcats are coming to Columbus with a chip on their shoulder, and Luke Fickell will have his team fired up and ready to play. The Buckeyes can take the Bearcats lightly at their own peril.

Ohio State needs four great quarters from Justin Fields both passing and running. His ability as a runner will open opportunities for JK Dobbins in the run game. KJ Hill and Austin Mack need to have big games receiving. The biggest advantage the Buckeyes have on the field is their speed and size on the perimeter.

Chase Young needs to play like he’s on the Bednarik Award watch list, and the best defensive player in next year’s draft. Desmond Ridder can make you look bad if he has time to throw.

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This isn’t an upset pick, but Ohio State needs to play well to win.

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