Here we go with Game 3 of the Ohio State football season. Even though this one is against an in-state MAC team, Toledo, it could still turn into a game if the Buckeyes don’t come out of the game motivated and focused.
It goes without saying that OSU has to win this one if it still has designs of being in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth.
Each week we toss out the opportunity for our writers to predict what will happen in the game and so far, we’ve been pretty good. Since it’s time to get all lathered up for the game, it’s time to throw it out for a prediction again, and here’s what Phil, Mark, and Josh have to say about the night game vs. the Rockets.
Phil Harrison, Publisher/Editor and Featured Writer
I’m told #OhioState will determine whether wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming play during pregame warmups before facing Toledo. Both went through some light warmups last week — Fleming longer than Smith-Njigba — but did not play.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 17, 2022
Follow @PhilHarrisonBW
Toledo does offer at least a potential for the defense to struggle with a true dual-threat quarterback, but we’ve only seen Toledo look good against lower-level competition so far. Look for the Rockets to have a little success early, but once the defense figures it all out, things will smooth out and OSU will pull away. The offense rolls with the return of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Ohio State 52, Toledo 20
Mark Russell, Featured Writer
Our staff score predictions for Ohio State’s last non-conference game against Toledo tonight: https://t.co/EwHy4F9lEM
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) September 17, 2022
Mark Russell (Follow @markrussell1975):
Even though the spread is pretty wide in favor of the Buckeyes, I could see this one being much closer than the experts think. I could also see it being over by halftime. It greatly depends on if Ohio State is interested in staying focused on Toledo and not looking ahead to Wisconsin.
As I said earlier, the Buckeyes haven’t lost to an in-state rival since 1921. That stat will not change when this game is over.
Final Score
Ohio State 42, Toledo 17
Josh Keatley
Ohio State's only L against a current MAC team came in 1894 vs Akron, known as Buchtel College, at a tournament held at the Ohio State Fair.
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 12, 2014
Josh Keatley (Follow @JoshKeatley16):
Ohio State gets Jaxon Smith-Njigaba and Julian Fleming back. They are going to want to put their foot on the gas pedal and get the negative taste out of their mouths from the last two slow showings before Big Ten play starts. The Buckeyes are 35-1against MAC teams and that loss came in 1894, so based on this trend, I feel pretty safe.
Ohio State 56, Toledo 14
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