Ohio State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Minnesota in 2021 opener

The 2021 college football season kicked off last Saturday with a slight slate of games, but the real action begins on Thursday night. One of the marquee matchups on Thursday will be Ohio State football traveling to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers.

Ohio State is looking to get back to the national championship and finish the job in 2021.

It is uncommon for the season to start with a conference game, but the matchup between Ohio State and Minnesota is one of several Big Ten matchups set for the weekend. Ohio State is the heavy favorite to win the Big Ten East and the entire conference.

Minnesota suffered a bit of a setback season in 2020 after an 11-win campaign in 2019. The offense was still one of the best in the conference, but the Golden Gophers had one of the worst defenses in the country. Quarterback Tanner Morgan is back for another season under center and Minnesota will have one of the most effective running games in the Big Ten behind running back Mohamed Ibrahim and one of the best offensive lines in the conference.

However, all eyes will be on Ohio State and its offense. Justin Fields is gone after being one of the best quarterbacks in Ohio State history and his successor will be CJ Stroud. Stroud will have no shortage of playmakers to throw to, as Ohio State has the best set of wide receivers in the country. Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and other five-star talents like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming. The running game is stout with Master Teague returning and the debut of the top running back recruit of 2021, TreVeyon Henderson.

Ohio State is one of the top teams in the country and looks to start the season off with a win on Thursday night. Here are three bold predictions for the game.