College football is back, which means the Ohio State football team begins another quest for a National Title. Senior Editor, Blake Biscardi, predicts the Buckeyes’ outcomes this season.

The Ohio State football team plays football this week. Quarterback battles, offensive line restructuring, defensive portal additions, and beating That Team Up North headlined the off-season in Columbus. The wait for all that ends this Saturday as the Buckeyes open up their 2023 campaign in Bloomington against conference foe Indiana. 

Ohio State’s schedule does not do it any favors this year as Ryan Day’s team opens in-conference on the road, faces tough tests in South Bend, Madison, and Ann Arbor, as well as hosts Penn State and Michigan State. 

At the same time, this year’s roster comprises Ryan Day’s most complete team since 2019, littered with NFL talent on both sides of the football. Some early mock drafts project the Buckeyes to have 5-7 first-rounders, which has been an indicator of the eventual National Champion in recent years. 

Before Ohio State can even get there, it has to overcome a challenging slate of games. Let’s go through week-by-week and pick the outcome of the Buckeyes’ season. 

September 2 @ Indiana — Ohio State hasn’t been a stranger to Week 1 road tests as of late. However, the Hoosiers are not on the same level as the Buckeyes. Expect to see Kyle McCord and Devin Brown in this matchup as they lead their team to a big win in Bloomington to begin 1-0. 

September 9 vs. Youngstown State — Another game where the Buckeyes will overpower their competition. Underlying Jim Tressel storylines make this heartfelt matchup bittersweet for Buckeye Nation. Ohio State has no trouble and wins by 50+ to improve to 2-0. 

September 16 vs. Western Kentucky — This can be a sneakily tricky matchup for Ohio State, as Western Kentucky can score points. As long as the Buckeyes don’t get caught looking ahead, cruise control gets them to 3-0. 

September 23 @ Notre Dame — Two road games in its first four is not easy for any team. Sam Hartman and Notre Dame will be a handful. However, expect this to be a defensive-heavy showdown, at least in the first half. Ohio State’s offensive line is critical in the game. The Buckeyes win by double digits if there’s a clean pocket. If not, it could get dicey. Still, Ohio State escapes with a hard-fought victory to move to 4-0. 

September 30 — Open Date 

October 7 vs. Maryland — The Terrapins have given the Buckeyes fits in recent years, but that will only happen if there’s a hangover on Ohio State’s sideline this year. The Silver Bullets shine again as Ryan Day’s team gets to 5-0. 

October 14 @ Purdue —  Traveling to West Lafayette never seems to bode well for the Buckeyes, especially at night. This time, it’s a week before a massive home game against Penn State. This is the beginning of a three-week stretch that Ohio State is on red alert. Eventually, the Buckeyes overpower the Boilermakers and win by double digits to become 6-0. 

October 21 vs. Penn State — One of the biggest collisions of the college football season takes place in Columbus between Ohio State and Penn State. This will be a physical battle, and the Buckeyes must stop the run to feel comfortable. JT Tuimoloau will need a big game again this year to survive a home scare. Ohio State keeps winning, and people start taking notice at 7-0. 

October 28 @ Wisconsin — Of all the games on Ohio State’s schedule, this one worries me most following a road game at Purdue and then an emotionally draining, physical affair against Penn State. Playing in Camp Randall is never easy; this year’s game is at night. Luke Fickell may clip his alma mater in this spot, though the Badgers are coming off Iowa and a road game in Champaign against Illinois. Tough place for both teams here. 

November 4 @ Rutgers — Finally, some breathing room for Ohio State after a grueling October. The Buckeyes get back on track with a blowout victory over Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights. 

November 11 vs. Michigan State — Bring out the all-gray alternate uniforms. The Horseshoe will be rocking as the Spartans come to town. They’ll run into a grayed-out machine yet again. Ryan Day’s group rolls. 

November 18 vs. Minnesota — Senior Day for a great class that ends their home careers on a positive note. Ohio State keeps cruising through November with another win before The Game. 

November 25 @ TTUN — The Rivalry seems to be at its competitive peak for this century, as Ohio State has been unable to get a victory in each of the last two seasons. This is Jim Harbaugh’s best team in Ann Arbor, and they’re going to play like it. In the words of the great Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend!” Ohio State will also play like Ryan Day’s best team in Columbus in a battle for the ages. This time, the Buckeyes come out on top and restore power to Columbus.  The Scarlet and Gray head to Indianapolis for a rematch against Wisconsin. 

December 2 vs. Wisconsin, Big Ten Championship — After getting its first win over the Buckeyes since 2010, Wisconsin runs into Ohio State for a second time in a place they’ve never beaten them. That streak continues as Ryan Day wins his third Big Ten Title at Ohio State and heads to the College Football Playoff.