Agree I'd rather play Clemson first but my rationale is a bit different.  I do believe Clemson is the toughest of the 3 possible opponents, however, it's similar to the way it was in 2014 when Alabama was the toughest opponent for the Buckeyes.  I really want them to beat the best right off the bat.  If they can beat Clemson, we know they can win it all. Plus...we REALLY do own them an L, preferably a beatdown...however, I don't think that's going to happen.

A final with Burrow and LSU would be huge!   

I just think it's important to beat Dabo and his crew 1st so we can make them put some respek on our name!!! Much sweeter to beat a team that doesn't really respect you or your team.

Go Bucks!!!

I agree.  I thought it worked well for the Buckeyes in 2014 playing Alabama first.  Plus, Ohio State should REALLY want to play Clemson given the history of the two programs in the past.

FYI....speaking of Harbaugh news...on ESPN's Get Up show resident football genius Rex Ryan said Clemson would beat Ohio State the same way the Buckeyes always beat Michigan because of their talent disparity.  I understand Clemson is talented but more talented in 2019 than THIS Ohio State team?!!! I don't think so.

As others have mentioned cut down on the turnovers and the Buckeyes win comfortably.  However, you can't expect the weather to cooperate this time of year. If the Buckeyes look solid in winning they should regain the top spot in the playoff rankings. 

1. OSU (Simply the best team in college football)
2. LSU (Has the best victories in college football)
3. Clemson
4. Georgia
5. Alabama (would probably beat everyone below them)
6. Minnesota (better than I gave them credit for...not sure they're really 6 though)
7. Oregon
8. Oklahoma
9. Penn State
10. Baylor

Jonathan Taylor is a great back...however, this has to add fuel to JK Dobbins fire.  JK is going to run like a man on a mission next week.  I have a sneaky suspicion that the Ohio State D is going to want to make sure that JK has the best numbers of the two backs next week.  Go Bucks!!!

It probably is a bit nitpicking to point out Borland's weaknesses in a game where the team dominated on both sides of the ball...however, it does appear for whatever strengths he brings to the team (toughness, leadership, getting D in the right position), his individual play does appear to be a weak spot in the defense.  It's not really as much that he's not playing well but his teammates have raised their level of play much higher than Borland has from last year to this year and I think it shows on the field. Tuf indeed makes plays unfortunately it's pretty obvious when he doesn't.  It's not a knock on Borland but, Browning is clearly better and so is Harrison and Werner.

I'd like to see Ohio State average 200-250 yards passing and 200-250 yards rushing every game with Dobbins getting about 1,400-1,500 yards rushing.

This would make for a versatile offense that can pound with Fields and Dobbins or burn teams with the passing game when defenses stack the box.

I look for Dobbins to have a big year.  The ability for Fields to run the read/option should give Dobbins more opportunities to make big plays running the ball this year...unlike last season where defenses could more easily key on him.

Hope it goes well for Baldwin.

As for Fields this could be a blessing in disguise for him.  Like Haskins last year, he will get all the first team reps which should speed his development under Day's system.  I have faith that Day will modify his offense where Fields can be successful.

I know this was back in HS but I was impressed with Fields' Elite 11 video where he outplayed Trevor Lawrence.  It shows you what he's capable of doing.  Again, I have faith in Ryan Day's ability to develop QB's.  Go Bucks!!!

A big part in the majority of Ohio State's players' calculus in deciding to play at here is to help to be prepared to play at the next level.  If you can compete and succeed at a place like Ohio State that improves your chances to play in the NFL.  If Ohio State wants to continue to be the type of program that plays at the level of the Alabama's, Clemson's, Oklahoma's and Georgia's of the college football world then it has to be open to going after guys like Justin Fields.  It might not be fair to guys like Baldwin but, it's the reality of college football at the highest level currently.  Additionally, getting back to my original point, making an NFL squad is highly competitive and if your goal is to play there schools like OSU and the others I mentioned before are where you best experience what it's going to be like.

I know for a fact that Kalil Branham, a top 5 recruit in Ohio has decommitted from the school up north. At this point it looks as if he's looking at SEC schools at the moment.  I know the family hasn't had a lot of love for the Buckeyes...I just wonder with a guy like Al Washington on staff and a position coach like Brian Hartline on staff, there might be a prospect for change...the kid is talented.

Guys like McLaurin and Dixon will find a spot on NFL squads because of their outstanding special teams play.

This should have been implemented a LONG time ago!!!! 

I remember well the morgue that was Ohio Stadium back in 1998 when Plexico Burress and MSU beat the Buckeyes.  Actually I was more upset with the defensive performance than I was the offense even though there were a lot of breakdowns by the offensive line in that game. The Buckeye D failed to put enough pressure on the MSU QB who threw up a number of jump balls the 6'4 Burress easily snagged. 

I do remember the Buckeyes rebounding to beat Tom Brady and Michigan in the Shoe later in that season.  It did take some of the sting off that MSU defeat.

Additionally, Chase Young is probably a little banged up and playing more snaps than he should and it's making him much less effective than he was earlier in the season. The team needs to take it to heart that indeed believe they can be beaten if they don't step up their level of play Saturday night!  If the defense comes to play up to their talent level the Buckeyes can blow them out....we just need to see it on the field.

We'll see a LOT of this Saturday night  if the defense is not prepared to stop Rondale Moore! 

Really happy to see his teammates back his decision...Hopefully they will be able to rally together and pick up their level of play!  Go Bucks!

This is where the coaches really earn their paycheck. Will they be able to bring this group together and playing at a level where they can hold up against Purdue, Michigan State and Michigan?  I certainly hope so. Go Bucks!!!

The only possible positive I see is few see Ohio State seriously competing for a national title now that Bosa is out.  Many believe Michigan will win this year.  This will be an opportunity for the team to step up to the challenge. Hope they come out with renewed focus and intensity on the field...especially on defense.  GO BUCKS!!!

Remember watching Knox last season really knocking guys off the ball on running plays. I was impressed.  Honestly I haven't been watching as closely this season but, as whole. the unit (not just Knox) has not been able to drive defenders like they did last season. 

Like I mentioned in a previous post...overall they are worse...however, Haskins and the receivers are getting better as the season goes on.  That's been our saving grace.

I really don't understand not getting Tate into the game during short yardage situations.  I understand the whole bit about possibly upsetting the team's continuity but, they have been very poor in short yardage situations this year...it's worth the risk and they should have implemented this past weekend while they were at home...There's no way they'll go to it on the road at night.

The only aspect I would disagree is Haskins....He is actually getting better...even with the increased pressure.

Before the season I thought the Purdue game is where Ohio State could potentially slip up and lose.  After yesterday I'm more convinced than ever Ohio State might lose to them...especially with the game being on the road at night. I have no confidence in the Buckeyes ability to contain Rondale Moore.  Injuries on the defensive line have certainly slowed the Buckeye pass rush. I really hope I'm wrong here but, I don't have a good feeling about this game.