The Silver Bulletin’s staff makes their picks for this week’s game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Western Michigan Broncos.
Ohio State welcomes Western Michigan to the Horseshoe for its first night contest of the 2024 season. Let’s take a look at the staff picks for the matchup:
David: The Buckeyes win comfortably. Ohio State 45 Western Michigan 7
Blake: Chip Kelly and the offense start faster in this one. I expect a big day on the ground for the running back room. The Silver Bullets will continue flying around and keep the Broncos in check. Ohio State wins 55-6
Dan: Western Michigan’s tenacious defensive line will give Ohio State’s offensive line fits in the run game. Chip Kelly will sway away from using Henderson and Judkins to preserve their health long-term. However, Chip will allow Will Howard to air it out against the Broncos. The Broncos lack depth on the perimeter and at linebacker and the Buckeyes will look to expose this through the air. I expect a big day for the receivers led by Emeka Egbuka. On defense, the Buckeyes will have no issues with the stagnant WMU offense. However, WMU’s Jalen Buckley will find the end zone against the backups during garbage time. Ohio State rolls 52-10.
Cass: First night game of the season despite who the opponent is the Buckeyes will be all jacked to play under the lights in “The Shoe.” Offensively, Chip Kelly is going to continue to give TreyVeon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins a heavy load this week in the run game. With Kelly wanting to establish the run he will continue to make Will Howard comfortable in the passing game with more RPOs. An unknown factor is the health of LG Donovan Jackson. If he is healthy, what is the play count going to look for Jackson? Will Ryan Day and Chip Kelly give Jackson a pitch count and also help with the depth by playing more of Austin Siereveld at Guard?
Defensively, look for Jim Knowles to continue to play base defense and allow his athletes to make plays! Watch for more pressure on the quarterback from the front 6 or 7. I predict that Brandon Inniss will take a punt back for a TD on Special Teams! Buckeyes defeat Broncos 45-7
Carson H: See Carson’s full thoughts in the weekly game preview. Ohio State 45 Western Michigan 10
AJ: I think Day lets the offense loose – expect to see Sayin have a big 4th Quarter along with James Peoples. OSU 56 WMU 7
