Just before the beginning of the year, we put forth five bold predictions for the 2019 Ohio State football season. We were a little bullish on Ohio State, thinking the national media, and even some in Big Ten circles, were sleeping on what this team could be.
Turns out, though there’s still some pretty big obstacles to go for this campaign, we may have been spot on. This team has railroaded everyone in its way so far and could be on its way to a special season. Again, could be.
Let’s then revisit those five bold predictions during the second of two bye-weeks and take stock in where things are. We won’t pat ourselves on the back because there’s still a finish line to get to.
Bold prediction No. 1: Ohio State will win the Big Ten
Okay, so there’s still some unfinished business here, but this team certainly looks like the best in the Big Ten. Not even the nation’s No. 1 defense statistically in a rain storm could put a stop to Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins and company.
On the defensive end though is where we’ve seen the most improvement. What was clearly the biggest Achilles heel last year might just be the team’s biggest strength so far. It’s not a stretch to say that the defense being played in Columbus is the best in the country.
Status: On track
Bold prediction No. 2: Justin Fields will win B1G QB of the year and be in the Heisman conversation
Okay, again, the season is not over but this one seems to be on pretty good pace here. Justin Fields is already in the Heisman conversation. He’s composed, has a handle on the offense, and leads the country in touchdowns responsible for. Have you seen the kids arm? Have you seen the kid run? Have you seen the kid drink Gatorade? Just asking …
Truth be known, he probably could have some pretty otherworldly stats if the games were closer and the coaches relied on him more, but that’s not a necessity with this team. At least it hasn’t been so far.
Oh, and about winning Big Ten Quarterback of the Year? Who else are you going to give it to at this point? Shea Patterson? That maize and blue ship has sailed and sunk.
Status: On track
Bold Prediction No. 3: J.K. Dobbins will go over 1,500 yards on the ground
We are now eight games into the season and J.K. Dobbins is second in the country in yards rushing with 1,110 yards. He’s averaging 139 yards a game, which means he’s on pace for close to 1,700 yards just through the regular season.
On second thought, maybe we undershot this one a little. The kid might go for over 2,000 yards when it’s all said and done with the postseason numbers in play. He’s been everything you’d hoped for and more. He might just be the best all-around running back in the country.
Status: On track
Bold Prediction No. 4: Ryan Day will win Big Ten Coach of the Year
We got criticized mightily for ranking the new Ohio State head coach the third best in the Big Ten. Well, those DMs and @s have stopped now. There was evidence there that Day was a whale of a coach and so far that’s been proven.
Day has continued to recruit well, has made fantastic in-game adjustments, and has this team playing motivated and hungry. What’s truly astonishing is that an Ohio State head coach hasn’t won the Big Ten’s Coach of the Year since Earle Bruce did it in 1979. That might be coming to an end this year as long as the sentimental narrative doesn’t go to P.J. Fleck of Minnesota.
Status: On track
Bold Prediction No. 5: Ohio State will make the College Football Playoff
We were really kind of out there on a limb all by ourselves on this one. Not many folks were giving Ohio State a shot at playing for all the confetti, but at this point in the season it looks like there’s a better than average chance. The Buckeyes are ranked in the top four of all the major polls, and you have to expect they’ll be somewhere in the top two or three when the first College Football Playoff Rankings come out in less than a week.
A lot of websites and media had odds that showed the Buckeyes behind some combination of Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State. Heck, a few writers had OSU finishing fourth in the Big Ten East. Yes, we’re not sure what they were drinking, or if they really know much about the talent on these this team’s roster, but we digress.
Again, it’s not a sign, sealed and delivered deal yet, but this team has the makings of a playoff one.
Status: On track
So, in reflection, we’re on track on a lot — if not all — of these bold predictions with just four games remaining in the regular season. It may or may not end well for all five of these, but most everyone in the national media was seriously underestimating the talent on this team.
Now, to end it all on the right note.
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