Ohio State hosts Oregon in a pivotal Big Ten matchup. Three keys to victory and six bold predictions for the Buckeyes from the latest episode of Buckeye Cadence.

Ohio State has four regular-season games remaining, and Saturday’s matchup against Oregon is the first to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Here are three keys to victory and six bold predictions from the latest episode of Buckeye Cadence.

Three Keys to Victory

1. Establish the Running Game and Finish Red Zone Drives

Ohio State’s ground game gave the offense a foundation against USC, and the Buckeyes need more of the same Saturday. The running backs combined for 204 yards on 43 carries against the Trojans, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Bo Jackson accounted for 121 yards, while Isaiah West added another 65.

With Fahey still developing as a starting quarterback, Ohio State cannot make the passing game responsible for carrying the offense. Establishing the run will create more manageable situations and give Fahey opportunities to work through play-action.

Ohio State’s inability to finish drives against USC was one of the biggest reasons it left Los Angeles with a loss. The Buckeyes totaled 464 yards of total offense but converted only one of four red-zone opportunities into a touchdown. Connor Hawkins made all four of his field-goal attempts.

Oregon will challenge Ohio State’s ability to execute in short-yardage situations. The Buckeyes need to run with physicality and capitalize on opportunities inside the 20. A productive ground game and better red-zone execution would take considerable pressure off Fahey.

2. Make Dylan Raiola Beat Ohio State’s Secondary & Limit Explosive Plays

Oregon’s quarterback Dylan Raiola showed what he can do against Northwestern. The Nebraska transfer completed 22 of 31 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Ducks overcome a two-touchdown deficit. He found confidence as the game progressed and gave Oregon an offensive spark it desperately needed.

The Buckeyes have the defensive personnel to make life difficult for Raiola, particularly if the defensive front can generate pressure without sacrificing coverage responsibilities. Getting Khary Wilder back into the rotation and having Jay Timmons available will strengthen the defense.

Ohio State’s priority is to eliminate explosive plays and make Raiola sustain drives. If the Buckeyes can keep the Ducks in third-and-long situations, their defensive front should have opportunities to make an impact.

3. Protect Luke Fahey and Give Him Room to Grow

Ohio State’s offensive line has another difficult assignment against one of the more talented defensive fronts in the Big Ten. Another week of preparation should help Luke Fahey feel more comfortable, but the offensive line has to do its part.

Oregon can create pressure through its defensive ends and interior pass rushers. The Buckeyes have struggled at times against defensive fronts that stunt, move, and force the offensive line to communicate after the snap.

Austin Siereveld, Ian Moore and Phillip Daniels will be important pieces as Ohio State works through its offensive tackle combinations. Moore is currently listed as Questionable, and Ryan Day said Siereveld will play tackle, but did not specify right or left.

Fahey does not need to play a perfect game. He needs to make sound decisions, take what the defense gives him, and show the progression expected in his second start. Ohio State’s supporting cast has to make that possible, unlike last week.

Six Bold Predictions for Ohio State vs. Oregon

The Buckeye Cadence crew also made six predictions for Saturday’s matchup, including a big afternoon for Fahey and another opportunity for Ohio State’s defense to create a game-changing play.

1. Luke Fahey throws for more than 250 yards

Grant Kincaid expects Fahey to take a step forward in his second start. After throwing for 260 yards against USC, Kincaid believes another week of preparation and the opportunity to play at home will help the freshman find more consistency. He expects Fahey to take advantage of Ohio State’s receiving weapons and surpass 250 passing yards.

2. Jeremiah Smith scores a rushing touchdown

Blake Biscardi wants Ohio State to get creative with its best offensive weapon. Smith has already established himself as one of the most difficult players in college football to defend, and the Buckeyes need to find different ways to get him the football. Biscardi predicts a red-zone rushing touchdown, potentially through motion or a designed touch out of the backfield.

3. Jaylen McClain returns an interception for a touchdown

Kincaid is sticking with his prediction that McClain will find the end zone on defense. He believes Raiola will eventually force a throw into Ohio State’s secondary, giving McClain an opportunity to make a game-changing play.

4. Connor Hawkins makes a 50-yard field goal

Hawkins was perfect against USC, converting all four of his attempts. Biscardi expects the kicker to continue his strong stretch and connect from at least 50 yards against Oregon.

5. Ohio State records at least three sacks

Grant expects the defensive line to generate more pressure with Khary Wilder back and the Buckeyes getting healthier up front. He initially called for multiple sacks before settling on three as his prediction. Ohio State needs its defensive front to make Raiola uncomfortable and prevent him from settling into the game.

6. Neither team commits a turnover

Biscardi expects a clean game from both offenses despite the uncertainty at quarterback. With so much at stake, he believes both teams will prioritize ball security and avoid the mistakes that could change the outcome.