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Ohio State Football: Way-too-early 2020 game-by-game predictions

By Griffin McVeigh

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OREGON – OCTOBER 05: Head Coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks reacts in the fourth inning against the California Golden Bears during their game at Autzen Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON – OCTOBER 05: Head Coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks reacts in the fourth inning against the California Golden Bears during their game at Autzen Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Bowling Green Falcons (Sept. 5)

The first of two MAC teams on Ohio State’s schedule this season, the Falcons will more than likely have a tough day in The Shoe. Since 2010, the Buckeyes have beaten MAC teams by an average of 40 points, including last year’s 76-5 win over Miami (OH). Besides it being the opening game of the season, there should not be anything more to this game for Ryan Day’s squad.

Prediction: Ohio State wins (1-0)

2. at Oregon Ducks (Sept. 12)

Only playing a game in the state of Oregon once in program history, it came in a 1967 matchup against the Ducks where Ohio State won 30-0. In 2020, it will be one of the most exciting non-conference games of the season and the Buckeyes will have a real test at the start.

Traveling to the loudest stadium in the Pac-12 will be a difficult task for the Buckeyes that will show us what level both teams are at for the rest of the season. Putting out one of the best defenses in the Pac-12 last season, it will only get better with their 2020 recruiting class, making it a strength-on-strength matchup with Justin Fields and the Ohio State defense vs the Oregon defense.

With the Ducks one game away from the College Football Playoff last season, the Week 2 matchup at Autzen Stadium will be one of the best games in the 2020 season. The Buckeyes will have a tough time coming out with a victory but will be the first team of the season to make a statement.

Prediction: Ohio State wins (2-0)

3. Buffalo Bulls (Sept. 19)

Much like the opener against Bowling Green, there should not be much to this game for the Buckeyes. It will either be a rebound game after a tough loss on the road to Oregon or another game to carry over momentum going into Big Ten play.

Last facing off in 2013, it was a 20-point victory for Ohio State, winning 40-20. Much of the same will be expected in late September, a blowout victory before starting their conference schedule.

Prediction: Ohio State wins (3-0)

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