Ohio State Football: Ranking 2021 opponents by toughness

I debated putting Indiana ahead of Penn State on this list, but with the questions of Michael Penix’s health and if the Hoosiers can sustain success, Penn State gets the nod to be the toughest conference game on Ohio State’s schedule.

Many will look at Penn State’s 4-5 record last year and say they are on the downward slope. On the other hand, this year’s Penn State team has a big opportunity to bounce back and prove 2020 was just an anomaly and not a sign of things to come.

Despite not beating the Buckeyes since 2016, the Nittany Lions have put up the best fights against them, even better than the rival Wolverines. By Halloween weekend, we will know if Penn State is in the mix for the Big Ten championship. If they are, this game will be huge.

The Oregon Ducks are far and away the best team in the Pac-12 and the toughest opponent Ohio State is scheduled to face this season. The battle of what looks to be top-10 teams is sure to be a good one.

The Ducks under offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead averaged 31 points a game last season. Despite needing to replace Tyler Shough at quarterback, the Ducks have a ton of weapons including the return of running back CJ Verdell and wide receivers Johnny Johnson and Jaylon Redd.

Mario Cristobal is heading into his fourth full season as the head coach in Eugene. He’s had three straight top 11 recruiting classes. The Ducks will be the favorites to win a third straight Pac-12 championship and are a potential playoff contender.

In order to really jump into the early playoff discussion, the Ducks will need to upset the Buckeyes on the road. This game should be must-see TV.