Ohio State and Washington are set for a highly anticipated clash out west in Seattle in one of the most underrated settings in College Football: Husky Stadium, in front of a crowd of Purple Reign.
Ohio State and Washington will kickoff at 3:30 ET/12:30 PT on CBS as the two schools meet for the first time since the 2018 Rose Bowl (January 1, 2019). Now a conference game, the clash between the Buckeyes and Huskies is one of the Big Ten’s best this season. Let’s look at our TSB Staff predictions:
David: Ohio State 27 Washington 24
Blake: I have had this matchup circled since the summer because I have a lot of respect for Washington. Husky Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in America and that will be on full display on Saturday. Demond Williams is a playmaker and the Huskies have great weapons, notably Jonah Coleman. This is also Julian Sayin’s first road start, so will Ryan Day and Brian Hartline script a more conservative game plan?
The Buckeyes have more talent than the Huskies, and Ohio State may have to win the game with its defense similar to the Texas game. Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs will be the key players for the defense containing Williams. It’s historically difficult to run on Ohio State, and a one-dimensional offense won’t be enough for an upset. I expect a competitive game for at least three quarters before the Buckeyes put it away. Ohio State 30 Washington 20
Dan: The Buckeyes are simply too deep across the board for the Huskies to handle. Coleman and Boston have great days, respectively. However, Demond Williams is kept contained thanks to the efforts of Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and the Buckeye pass rush. On offense Julian Sayin and the wide receivers shred the suspect Washington defense. The Huskies just do not have the talent in the secondary to do anything about Smith and Tate. Buckeyes win comfortably 35-21.
Cass: Ohio State after bye weeks historically play lights out under Ryan Day. I look for the Buckeyes to do the same thing this Saturday. The atmosphere will be crazy however they overcome it and the score will be closer than what the game indicates. Ohio State 27 Washington 17
Carson H: Don’t get me wrong, Washington is a very good team that I have had a lot of respect for this season. They have put up big numbers and made plenty of plays, but that offense has not faced anything remotely close to the defense they will face Saturday afternoon. I think the defense and game script will hopefully force the Huskies to beat us through the air, which could lead to some punts or even turnovers, including a first interception for Demond Williams Jr.
It will be interesting to see the passing and rushing balance from the scarlet and gray offense, especially if the game is close early. The Buckeyes have three running backs at their disposal to help take the pressure off Sayin in his first big start away from home. I think someone outside of the leading receivers will step up as well, and it may just be the Max Klare breakout game.
I could see this game being faster-paced than expected early, with the Buckeye defense helping out the offense en route to a great team win. Sayin makes enough pay to prove he’s the real deal, while Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs showcase the talent that has led to them being the best players in the country on their respective sides of the ball. Ohio State 34 Washington 17
TJ: Arvell Reese is the difference maker containing yet again another mobile QB. I think Washington will get a couple big plays or a key turnover to score. The run game gets going this weekend with more Bo Jackson touches and Julian Sayin gets his first road win. Buckeyes handle another test. Ohio State 24 Washington 17
AJ: Washington gives a good fight but they aren’t able to close it out late. Ohio State wins 31-21
