Ohio State football returns home this Saturday attempting to recover from its first back-to-back losses since 2011, according to Buckeyes Wire.
The team faces Northwestern after suffering recent defeats against USC and Oregon, leaving its Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff chances slim, as noted by the outlets.
While oddsmakers favor the Buckeyes by two scores, the staff at Buckeyes Wire remains focused on the team’s ability to execute its offensive keys, as reported by the publication.
Staff writer Phil Harrison expressed optimism regarding the team’s recovery, stating, “It’ll all result in Ohio State winning this one somewhat comfortably.”
Harrison further noted that the coaching staff will likely find new ways to utilize wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the staff reported.
Mark Russell, another featured writer, highlighted the importance of the upcoming game in the context of the team’s postseason aspirations, according to the coverage.
Russell specifically mentioned the absence of Northwestern quarterback Aiden Chiles as a potential advantage for the Buckeyes’ defense, as stated by the writer.
Alec Lasley also weighed in on the matchup, emphasizing the need for Luke Fahey to continue his progression at quarterback, the writer explained.
Lasley expects the team to prioritize getting the ball to Smith, noting, “I expect the Buckeyes to force-feed him early and often against Northwestern.”
Ultimately, all three writers predicted an Ohio State victory, with score projections ranging from 24-13 to 31-17, as finalized in the staff predictions.