Okay folks, we’re actually in game mode here now. Ohio State has its first game of the very much delayed — but very much anticipated — 2020 season and it’s against Nebraska, the team that was lockstep with the Buckeyes in fighting for the season this fall.
That’s great off the field, but when you talk about expectations on it, there is a deep chasm between the two programs. Ohio State has talent oozing from every corner of the roster while the Cornhuskers are simply looking to turn the corner under head coach and alum Scott Frost.
So, it looks like this one can be wipeout and the experts agree with the ‘Huskers favored by nearly four touchdowns by BetMGM and other popular sportsbook websites.
Ohio State vs. Nebraska 2020 football Preview And Prediction https://t.co/7wyvTos7fq
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) October 19, 2020
However, the game has to be played, and things often unfold far different than what everything says it should, especially in the year of 2020. We still think this thing is going to have a Scarlet and Gray flavor to it, so we’re giving you five reasons Ohio State wins this one and starts the season 1-0.
NEXT … Anticipation
Pent up aggression, ready to be released
WATCH: Ohio State drops first game day trailer of 2020, and it’s fantastic https://t.co/NKYNMrH3NV
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) October 22, 2020
Perhaps no program was more instrumental in bringing Big Ten football back more than Ohio State. From its team doctor, Jame Borchers, who provided a path to return safely, to Justin Field who led the charge from a player perspective, to even head coach Ryan Day who had a big effort in starting the #Fight hashtag on social media.
These guys want to play and they’ve been working extremely hard in hopes of having a season. Part of that is because this team has the talent and leadership to not only win the Big Ten, but the national title. There is going to be a lot of emotion, a lot of adrenaline, and I expect Ohio State to come out on a mission.
The fact that Nebraska is in its way could get ugly.
NEXT … Justin Fields
Justin Fields, the difference-maker
Patiently Waiting. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/fyslTuaY8K
— Justin Fields (@justnfields) October 5, 2020
You could literally write this up as a reason Ohio State wins every game this year and plug and play, but it’s true. Fields’ combination of arm strength and accuracy, leadership, and ability to make plays on the ground are unparalleled in college football this year.
Fields is the best player on the field, and can almost single-handily move the chains in key moments. He gave zero thought on opting out of this season because of his competitive nature. He’ll be monster this year, and it’ll start on Saturday.
NEXT … Talent wins out
Ohio State is simply more talented
Five reasons Ohio State football wins a national title in 2020 https://t.co/ojHvFRGjo0
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) October 18, 2020
Everything else being equal, when you play a game of pickup out in the local park, the team with the most talent is going to win. A problem with that for Nebraska is that things aren’t even equal in the talent department.
Ohio State recruits with the best of them on a year-to-year basis, sends more players to the NFL than almost anyone and has a keen eye for talent and development. That hasn’t gone away since Urban Meyer moved on, and in fact, some positions are pulling in even better talent on paper.
Nebraska on the other hand has a few nice pieces but nowhere near what Ohio State will roll out. This isn’t your Tom Osborne’s ‘Huskers and there’s just not the horses to keep up with the Buckeyes.
NEXT … Desert motivation
Washing the bad taste out of Ohio State’s mouth
Chris Olave found himself working out two or three times a day during quarantine to get his mind off the Fiesta Bowl.
Look out, Big Ten. The Ohio State wide receiver is hungrier than ever. https://t.co/HmR3uceXJh— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) September 29, 2020
One of the reasons Ohio State so badly wanted a season in 2020 is because of how 2019 ended. Anyone with an objective eye watching the Fiesta Bowl would agree the best team lost in the desert on New Year’s Eve.
The Buckeyes outgained, outplayed, and outhit Clemson, but didn’t cash in on the red zone early in the game. There were also a few key breaks and calls that simply didn’t go OSU’s way. Despite it all, Ohio State still had a shot to win but threw an interception in the end zone because of a fluky route being broken off.
Now it’s time to come back and show everyone that wasn’t the real Ohio State. This team is out to make good on the wrong from last season and Nebraska is just the first speed bump.
NEXT … Travel
On the road in a pandemic
Gene Smith says fans could return to Ohio State football games in 2020 https://t.co/A2oN39Fvgk
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) October 22, 2020
Look, with no fans in the stands aside from close supporters from the players, there’s not that much of a home-field advantage in that department. However, playing at home this year, especially in game one, is still a huge advantage.
There are all kinds of protocols and travel-related things that have to be adhered to during this coronavirus pandemic. Teams at home also have to take precautions, but it’s much more comfortable at home.
For Nebraska, it’ll be a little bit of guinea pig in this thing coming from the furthest campus in the conference from Columbus. It won’t likely be the No. 1 reason Ohio State walks out a winner in this one, but it has to have some impact.
