The Buckeyes take on the Oregon State Beavers today at noon in Columbus. Urban Meyer will not be on the sidelines due to the domestic abuse case involving ex wide receiver coach Zach Smith.

Ryan Day will serve as the head coach in Meyer’s absence which will be for three games.

The Buckeyes have a new quarterback in town. Dwayne Haskins, the sophomore quarterback who made his way into the game last November in Ann Arbor and looked sharp, completing 6/7 passes for 94 yards.

The first key to victory is to get him comfortable as quick as possible. Ohio State can do just that by establishing the run as quickly as possible. In the backfield Haskins has two weapons, Mike Weber, and also JK Dobbins. The duo in which combined for over 2,000 rushing yards last season.

It’s essential that the Buckeyes get those two involved as soon as possible, which will open up the passing game.

Another key to victory is returning senior wide receiver Paris Campbell. Campbell is on the position chart as a wideout, but he’ll be utilized running the football as well. We seen the sweep ran with him tons of times last year. As one of the fastest players in college football, I look for this offense to try and get him some touches fairly early.

Defense wins championships! Which is why as a unit I’m calling out the defense as a key to victory. Nick Bosa is the heart and soul of the line and I expect him to cause absolute havoc early in this football game.

DL Chase Young is another young defensive lineman that I expect to excel quickly this season due to what Bosa brings to a defense.

The secondary must step up this season after losing DB Denzel Ward who was drafted fourth in the draft to the Cleveland Browns. It won’t be easy as Oregon State has two receivers and a TE they must keep in check.

WR Isaiah Hodgins. Hodgins stands at 6’3 and over 250 pounds, it’s essential the Buckeyes bring physicality to throw him off his game.

WR Timmy Hernandez. The junior receiver will show his speed down field. The secondary must do everything they can to prevent big plays while he’s on the field.

TE Noah Togiai. Togiai had over 400 yards and three touchdowns for the Beavers last season. If the Oregon State creeps into the red zone this is the man they’ll go to. The Buckeyes have to be ready to keep a close eye on the junior tight end.

Prediction:

The Buckeyes will lock in quick. Offensively they will create drives to score regularly. The defense will build off the energy of the fans and continue to make stops all game long which leads me to my final score.

Ohio State – 55

Oregon State – 10