Ohio State travels to Eugene for its toughest test of the season so far in a Top 3 showdown against the Oregon Ducks.
The best thing about 5-0…. a chance to improve to 6-0. Ohio State overcame early turnovers to route Iowa, passing their first test of the season. However, a trip to Autzen Stadium now looms just days away. The Buckeyes will face their biggest test yet, a conference bout against highly talented, 3rd-ranked Oregon. Let’s highlight the things to watch ahead of the matchup.
- Road Test
Autzen Stadium produces an amazing game day environment, especially at night. With Oregon on an 11-game home winning streak, Ohio State must avoid a slow start. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are 25-6 on the road or at neutral sites. However, they are just 2-6 against top 5 opponents, like Oregon. This is a prime chance for the Buckeyes and Ryan Day to break that negative trend and solidify themselves as the best team in the country.
Inversely, Dan Lanning has led Oregon to a 12-1 home record in his brief tenure. Including their 31-10 victory over Michigan State last week. Something has to give, as only one of these teams can leave the matchup at 6-0.
2. Turnover Battle
In any game, especially a top 5 matchup, the turnover battle will greatly impact the outcome. Through 5 games the Buckeyes have forced 9 turnovers while committing just 5. However, just last week the Buckeyes saw 2 potential scoring drives end because of a bad interception and a tough fumble. Leading to a +4 ratio.
Through 5 games Oregon has forced 5 turnovers while committing 6 of their own. Including 2 Dillon Gabriel’s interceptions last week. Leading to a -1 ratio. Whoever emerges with a better ratio in this game, will likely find themselves ahead on the scoreboard.
3. Buckeye Defense
The Ohio State defense has been a force through the first 5 weeks, earning themselves the ranking of #1 total defense. They have allowed just 1,012 total yards, just 202.4 yards per game. This stinginess has allowed them to concede just 4 touchdowns while forcing 9 turnovers.
Sonny Styles has led the way with 30 tackles, also contributing a sack and a fumble recovery. Stud safety Lathan Ransom sits not far behind, tallying 22 tackles so far and 2 forced fumbles, as he has seemingly mastered the peanut punch. The defensive line has been led by the likes of Ty Hamilton and Jack Sawyer, they have combined for 35 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Just like the offense this defense is loaded with talent.
Jim Knowles’ group must continue this aggressive play, from all phases if they look to defeat the Ducks.
Recap and Prediction:
Ultimately, this top 3 matchup has everything a fan could ask for. A tough road environment, conference game, star QBs, and primetime under the lights. If the Buckeyes plan to cover the 3.5-point spread and emerge as victors, they will need to overcome the road test, win the turnover battle, and continue playing stingy defense. I like their chances to do just that.
Final Score: Ohio State 27, Oregon 20.
Gabe Woodcox is a content contributor for The Silver Bulletin. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of The Ohio State University with a major of Sport Industry. Gabe has been working closely with Ohio State athletics during his sport industry tenure, writing for BuckeyesNews and working most recently with 97.1 The Fan. He is an avid Buckeye basketball and sports betting fanatic and will continue his education in a Turf Management Masters program next fall.