With the Big Ten race heating up, Ohio State has a golden opportunity to take the driver’s seat by notching their second straight conference win. USC could get their first win in conference play, and both teams would love to keep the feeling of a win going in back-to-back weeks. Here’s who our analysts expect to accomplish exactly that.
Tom Pence’s Predictions:
Ohio State 28, USC 34
Ohio State pulled out a victory against ND last week in the rain, but the haven’t faced a defense as good as the Trojans yet and That is why I have the men from So. Cal getting the nod and staying as a playoff favorite in the Big Ten.
Jimbo’s Predictions:
Ohio State 49, USC 35
USC has one of the best defenses, but if you look at their talent, they’re similar to Notre Dame. Jefferson Allen will have his way (again) en route to another huge day. Isaiah Fowler may break the tackle record, be on the lookout.
Houston Freeman’s Predictions:
Ohio State 49, USC 48
My personal game of the week, we will learn A LOT from this game. USC rebounded nicely with a win over Bama last week. Ohio State’s new AD Jimbo got his first win as an AD. USC’s veteran signal-caller Kingston Fox looks primed for another big year, but freshman quarterback Jefferson Allen has found himself in an impressive position near the top of the league’s passers. The key in this game will be which one posses the ball last #ShootOut.
Connor Russell’s Predictions:
Ohio State 31, USC 38
USC, despite showing some weakness, is still a team filled with talent across the board. They should pull out a close win this week despite OSU’s defense playing like they mean business.
BMillz’s Predictions:
Ohio State 38, USC 31
This has the potential to be a very good game and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the Trojans win it. This game is going to come down to whether or not Jefferson Allen can make smart plays and not turn the ball over.
NightHawk’s Predictions:
Ohio State 31, USC 41
After getting embarrassed in week 1, the Trojans locked in and got a win against Alabama in week 2 with a good defensive showing. Ohio State got their first win in an instant classic vs Notre Dame and come into week 3 feeling good. While Jefferson Allen has quieted the doubters and Brayden Ennis has looked like one of the top freshman in the country, this USC defense is too good to allow them to throw all over them. As Kingston Fox and the K-9 lead the troops, this championship caliber team will show it’s experience against the young Buckeyes.
Hornsnation’s Predictions:
OHIO STATE 31, USC 38
USC is changing their playbook after a poor start on offense. Ohio State and Jefferson Allen looked good against Notre Dame and Texas, but this is USC. USC escapes with a win thanks to Allen’s three picks.
Jeff Melinyshyn’s Predictions:
Ohio State 27, USC 34
Ohio State and USC are both tied at 1-1 and this game could shape the Big Ten moving forward, OSU is giving up 47.5 pts/game and USC is giving up 41 pts/game, give me USC in this battle on Big Ten foes.
DAVID ROY’S PREDICTIONS:
OHIO STATE 28, USC 38
Ohio State has looked like a legitimate contender over the last couple of weeks, but I suspect USC is more than prepared for the Buckeyes tonight. While I respect what Ohio State has done over the last couple of weeks, the Trojans are trying to catch up to Oregon and take the Big Ten Crown that they believe to be theirs. That sense of urgency should drive the Trojans to victory tonight, otherwise, the Buckeyes take the driver’s seat in the Big Ten.
THE VERDICT:
In a 6-3 split between our analysts, the USC Trojans get the favorite nod. The expectation is of a tightly contested matchup, and one that will be even more interesting given the revamped USC offense taking the field. Even so, there’s no denying how good Ohio State has looked, but we’ll see if they can get it done in hostile territory.
