The Ohio State Buckeyes return home for another prime time matchup against conference foe Minnesota in what should be a defensive battle. 

Ryan Day’s team is ready for another conference collision has PJ Fleck’s Minnesota Golden Gophers come to Columbus for a rare night game at The Shoe. This game has the billing of a defensive slugfest. However, Ohio State’s offense should eventually break through the Gopher armor.

Let’s check in with the staff members for their weekly picks:

Dave: Ohio State 38 Minnesota 10

Blake: This game is widely anticipated to be a battle of the defenses and see a slow pace of play. Ohio State isn’t on any rush on offense as Ryan Day and Brian Hartline continue to develop quarterback Julian Sayin. Minnesota’s defense is formidable, so I expect a similar approach to last week against Washington. However, Ohio State won’t come up empty in the red zone or turn the ball over. Matt Patricia’s defense continues to impress. Ohio State 35 Minnesota 6

Dan: Pace of play keeps this closer than it should be. Minnesota’s defense will also step up and give the Ohio State offense fits at time. The key matchup will be Anthony Smith vs. Austin Siereveld. Expect the Buckeyes to be in control the entire game, but not run away with it. Buckeyes win 28-10.

Cass: I look for a defensive battle early and a slower pace game. I see the defense getting a score and the Buckeyes will score a FG or Touchdown on every drive. Buckeyes win 33-9

Carson H: Ohio State once again showed last week that they are arguably the best team in the country, making plays when needed on offense while leaning on an elite defense. Guys across both sides of the ball are continuing to make great strides, from the inexperienced playmakers to the veterans.

The spread for this showdown opened at Ohio State -24.5 and is now at -23.5, with the over/under remaining at 44.5. ESPN Analytics gives Ohio State a 94.7 percent chance of coming out victorious. Minnesota seems to have a decent offense and complimentary defense, but both units haven’t face a team anything close to what Ohio State will offer come Saturday night.

I think Ryan Day’s side will try to start the game faster than they have all season, with most of their games taking nearly a half or more to get into the flow of the offense and find the endzone. I expect the running backs to each get a chance to prove their worth for the rest of the season, and out wide guys like Carnell Tate and Max Klare to make plays for their quarterback.

Winning the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will be very big in this one, as Minnesota has solid line play. If the Buckeyes jump out early I see this one being a very comfortable win heading into two road contests the next two weeks. Ohio State 38 Minnesota 10

TJ: The Buckeye defense holds firm again this week proving to be a stout unit all together. Julian Sayin connects on a few deep balls and the narrative around the offense being held back quickly changes. Ohio State continues to look like the best team in college football. Ohio State 38 Minnesota 3