It’s finally here! Ohio State football is about to kick off a new year after a long offseason of what-ifs and what could’ve beens.
The Buckeyes played their hearts out and came within seconds of knocking off defending champion Georgia Bulldogs before bowing out in the College Football Playoff Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semifinal game.
There has been a great deal of time to reflect on defensive miscues that led to big plays as well as the offensive game plan. Both of which Ryan Day has assured us have been addressed. Now it’s time to see if those questions have been fully answered.
Ohio State begins its quest to get back to the mountain top of the Big Ten as well as the national landscape with a trip to Bloomington to face the Hoosiers. Since seemingly turning around the program in 2020, Tom Allen and Indiana have fallen on hard times. In the past two seasons, the Hoosiers are 6-18 with only two conference wins.
Let’s get ready for the 2023 season of Buckeye football with our preview and prediction.
Records and Broadcast Information
Records
Ohio State (0-0), Indiana (0-0)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, Sept. 2
Game Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Network: CBS – Live Stream fuboTV (watch here)
Venue: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Indiana) Capacity: 52,929
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads, 78-12-5
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Indiana, 56-14, in 2022
Ohio State Potential Game Plan for Victory
With all the talent on this team — and there is a wealth of talent — there are still plenty of question marks. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they have a fairly easy road to begin the season. Not that the Hooisers or any other team should be taken lightly, but this isn’t like the previous season opener against Notre Dame.
The Ohio State offense is going to be breaking in a new starter at quarterback. And while that will make many fans uneasy, Ryan Day has a proven track record of developing the position and has been just fine during Day’s tenure. Opening against Indiana will be a nice way to break in not only a new signal caller (or two) but also a fairly inexperienced offensive line.
Even with all the firepower at the receiver position, a balanced attack will help ease in a new QB and line. Plus with both TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams back to full strength, the running can help alleviate some of the pressure that comes with being the Ohio State quarterback.
Defensively, Jim Knowles’ unit is going to look to eliminate the explosive big plays that plagued the Buckeyes down the stretch while getting more pressure in the backfield. The Buckeyes are a pretty experienced bunch, and Year 2 in Knowles’ system should see a big jump in production and efficiency.
On paper, Tom Allen’s squad is very underwhelming and should afford OSU the opportunity to work on a few things at game speed.
Key Player No. 1 for Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. is already seen as a Heisman front-runner in many circles. On Saturday, he starts the hype train rolling properly. But this isn’t just about personal stats. This is about taking the pressure off Kyle McCord and Devin Brown as both are expected to get playing time. Having someone the caliber of Harrison hauling in passes should ease some of the butterflies.
Marvin Harrison Jr., then a freshman, first caught our attention with this 2021 highlight move. 😵 @MarvHarrisonJr x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/HfeujOqtYh
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 28, 2023
Key player No. 2 for Ohio State
Jack Sawyer – Defensive End
Jack Sawyer came to Ohio State as a five-star recruit, but so far he hasn’t lived up to the hype. However, it’s not all Sawyer’s fault; he played mostly out of his natural position all last season. Now he’s back to the edge with his hand in the ground, looking to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Sawyer could launch a breakout year with a big game against the Hoosiers.
‘24 NFL Draft Prospect Watch
Ohio State Edge Jack Sawyer
6’4 267lbs 4.60 fortySawyer already built like an NFLer
Big year for him could solidify him as a top edge of the ‘24 classNice clip of him against 6th overall pick Paris Johnson Jr. 👀 pic.twitter.com/24jf5rtTvy
— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) July 20, 2023
The Prediction
Ohio State is on a mission. The team knows it let a national championship slip away last year and the two losses in a row to Michigan have been a topic of focus in the offseason.
But Indiana is the task at hand this week and in order to get back to where they want to be, the Buckeyes have to be laser-focused week to week. There will be without a doubt some kinks to work out with a new quarterback and revamped offensive line.
However, after a few rocky series’ to open the game, everyone will settle in and play with confidence and precision. The game may be closer than fans will be comfortable with during the first half, but Ohio State takes control and cruises to an easy victory.
Final Score
Ohio State 52, Indiana 17
Line
Ohio State minus-30
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