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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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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 16: K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball as Tim Barrow #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends in the first quarter at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 16: K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball as Tim Barrow #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends in the first quarter at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Sept. 26)

Bowling Green and Buffalo are supposed to be considered Ohio State’s easiest games of the season as they are from the MAC, but their conference opener against Rutgers will probably be more of a glorified scrimmage.

In the six matchups the Scarlet Knights and Buckeyes have had since the New Jersey school joined the Big Ten, Ohio State has been favored by at least 21 in each game. Getting as high as a 52-point favorite last season, it is clear how much of an advantage the Buckeyes have every year. Even with the huge pickup of former OSU defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, Rutgers is still a bottom feeder in the Power Five.

Prediction: Ohio State wins (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten)

5. Iowa Hawkeyes (Oct. 10)

After the conference opener against Rutgers and the bye week, Iowa comes to town for the school’s third matchup in eight seasons. Usually, the Hawkeyes are the spoiler team in the Big Ten, ruining seasons destined for national championships. They did exactly that in 2017, dismantling Ohio State 55-24, giving them their only loss of the season and ending their College Football Playoff hopes. On that day, the game was played at night at Kinnick Stadium.

Unfortunately for Iowa this year, the game is not at night and it will not be at home. More than likely a 12 p.m. game at The Shoe, a place the Hawkeyes have not won since 1991. Even though Iowa usually plays spoiler, the Buckeyes will have the advantage in 2020, strictly because they are at home.

Prediction: Ohio State wins (5-0, 2-0)

6. at Michigan State Spartans (Oct. 17)

Flashback a few years ago and Ohio State traveling to East Lansing would have raised a few eyebrows and had the possibility of being the site for College GameDay. Now, the Spartans have fallen off a little bit, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Averaging just over 22 points a game last season, the Michigan State offense was only better than Northwestern and Rutgers in the Big Ten.

Currently with a new head coach in Mel Tucker, it could be a rough couple of years for the Spartans. The Buckeyes should be able take advantage of Michigan State’s transitional period, especially next season.

Prediction: Ohio State wins (6-0, 3-0)

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