Ohio State Football: Ranking 2021 opponents by toughness

The Golden Gophers haven’t beaten the Buckeyes since 2000 and most of the games in that span haven’t been particularly close. However, this will be the Gophers’ best chance to pull the upset.

PJ Fleck is building something in Minnesota. The 2019 season was a boon with an 11-2 record and an Outback Bowl victory over a tough SEC opponent in Auburn. Last year the Gophers took a step back but because of the odd ball COVID-19 year, one could give them a mulligan for it.

This game takes place on a Thursday night in front of what is sure to be a raucous crowd in Minneapolis, the first with fans in over two years. While Ohio State will be favored and should win, they need to bring their A-game right out of the gate.

Indiana’s whole season rests on the health of quarterback Michael Penix. While the Hoosiers offense has seven other returning starters, Penix is the linchpin.

Penix has been a starter for 12 games in his collegiate career. He’s thrown for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in that span. The Hoosiers have gone 10-2 with him under center however he has been injury-prone. He’s had a non-throwing arm shoulder injury and two torn ACLs on his right knee. He is coming off the second of those torn ACLs and is on track to be ready for their season opener.

So again, if Penix is healthy and with the game in Bloomington, the Buckeyes will be on upset alert and the game will be one of their toughest. If Penix is not playing, then this game falls further down the list in regards to toughness.

As it stands now, we have Penix playing and this being a game to watch.