Prizing:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

Top 5 winners

Overview:

On Thursday, August 31st, the (0-0) Ohio State Buckeyes will be on the road to take on the (0-0) Indiana Hoosiers.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Ohio State 39.9 – Indiana 19.2 with an over/under of 59.0.

2016-17 Statistics (127 total teams):

Passing offense: Indiana 273.8 YPG > Ohio State 213.9 YPG

Rushing offense: Ohio State 245.2 YPG > Indiana 152.2 YPG

Scoring offense: Ohio State 39.4 PPG > Indiana 25.8 PPG

Scoring defense: Ohio State 14.2 PPG > Indiana 27.3 PPG

Passing defense: Ohio State 164.5 YPG > Indiana 220.2 YPG

Rushing defense: Ohio State 117.8 YPG > Indiana 152.4 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: Ohio State +1.2 > Indiana -0.5

Strength of schedule:

Ohio State was (11-2) in 2016 with wins over Bowling Green, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Indiana, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Nebraska, Maryland, Michigan State, and Michigan.  They were defeated by Clemson and Penn State.  Indiana was (6-7) with wins over FIU, Ball State, Michigan State, Maryland, Rutgers, and Purdue.  They were defeated by Ohio State, Wake Forest, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Utah, and Michigan.

Summary:

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer will find comfort knowing senior quarterback J.T. Barrett is back to lead the offense.  Barrett took a step back last season but Curtis Samuel was really the only playmaker they had.  Running back Mike Weber is back after a 1,000 yard season and the dynamic Parris Campbell is said to have been wowing everyone at spring practice.  The offensive line should be strong returning four starters.  Ohio State’s calling card is always on defense and this could be Meyer’s best unit ever.  The front seven is loaded with playmakers.  Jerome Baker, Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard should have huge seasons as edge rushers.  Dante Booker steps in as a do it all linebacker after missing all of last season with injury.  The secondary is the group with the most question marks, but they will be less relied on with a consistent pass rush.

Indiana will need to cut down on their turnovers if they want to make a big jump this season.  Quarterback Richard Lagow threw for almost 3,400 yards but his 17 interceptions left a lot to be desired.  The Hoosiers are expected to employ a running back by committee as their leading rusher from a year ago left for the NFL.  A rebuilding offensive line is cause for concern but the receiving group should be strong.  Indiana’s defense was greatly improved last year and they will return nine starters.  The Hoosiers were strong against the run but an improved pass rush could turn them into a top 25 unit. 

Bottom Line:

I expect J.T. Barrett to play much better and make Ohio State’s offense more dynamic by proving he can stretch defenses over the top.  I don’t see Indiana being able to score much on a tough Buckeyes defense that should force several turnovers.  Ohio State should win by double digits.

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