As week five continues, we shift our focus over to the Big Ten side of things, and Ohio State has found themselves in a must-win situation. Both the Buckeyes and the Ducks are coming off blowouts, and Ohio State needs the win in order to stay alive in the playoff race. Here’s how much of a role that factored into our analyst’s predictions.
Tom Pence’s Predictions:
Oregon 45, Ohio State 38
This has all the makings of a classic shootout. The buckeyes won’t have as many turnovers as last week and should be mixing in the run a little more. With that said Oregon has just a little more in this one and will get the one turnover that will be the difference in this matchup.
Jimbo Smithers Predictions:
Oregon 42, OHIO STATE 41
Both got blown out, and both have a lot of work to get in the playoffs. Oregon has 2 dominant wide receivers and that is their advantage so expect a heavy passing game. But the Buckeyes have one of the best linebackers and THE BEST CORNER IN THE LEAGUE. Oregon wins though, in dramatic fashion as shown by the score.
Houston Freeman’s Predictions:
Oregon 30, Ohio State 37
Since it seems like the seasons of upsets, I’ll take the Buckeyes over the Ducks in what’s actually a toss up in my opinion. Both teams are coming off bad losses to Nebraska and Notre Dame respectfully. Someone’s two game skid has to end, and Ohio State’s strong performances against ND and Texas prove they can do it. The Buckeyes will keep themselves in the B1G race.
Connor Russell’s Predictions:
Oregon 35, OSU 28
These two teams are in a weird spot in their respective seasons. Oregon came out of the gates strong, beating two good teams in Michigan and FSU, keeping up with Auburn, then got destroyed by ND. Meanwhile, OSU has kept up with everyone, beat ND, then got trounced by a winless Nebraska team. I have no clue who the real version of these teams are at this point. I think we’re going to see an Oregon win, but this game is worth a watch because of the unpredictability of it.
BMillz’s Predictions:
Oregon 45, Ohio State 49
I have had really bad luck picking against Oregon in the past but I think this is a week where we will see the Buckeyes rebound in a strong way. They are hosting one of the better teams in their conference and will get a win in this shootout.
NightHawk’s Predictions:
Oregon 41, Ohio State 34
Both teams come in needing a win to stay alive in the Big Ten playoff race after suffering defeats in week 4. Both teams also have made playbook changes in hopes of getting that big win. With that, I really have no idea what is going to happen tomorrow but I am going to give the edge to Oregon because of the strength of their pass game and because Ohio State struggles against the pass. Look for Ohio State to look to get after quarterback Axton Richardson the way Notre Dame did last week. Look for Oregon to mix it up a bit and get Jimmy Tickle going as the Ducks find the right mix and move to 2-2 in the Big Ten.
Hornsnation’s Predictions:
Oregon 31, Ohio State 34
This is a tough game to call for. Ohio State is 1-3 in conference and one more loss will end Jimbo’s first season as AD without a playoff berth. (Ohio State can’t lose in the playoffs if they don’t make it right?) Oregon looked really good the first two weeks and have fallen off the past two. Ohio State did change their playbooks so I give them the slight edge there, but Jefferson Allen may have a tough night at the office with Oregon safety Cai Brummer back there.
Jeff Melinyshyn’s Predictions:
Oregon 37, Ohio State 35
This will be a great game that not many are talking about. Ohio State holds the series lead by a slim margin. Ohio State lost to lonely Nebraska last week. Ohio State is 1-3 in the Big Ten and Oregon is 1-1, each needs this game to keep pace with the leaders. It will come down to which defense gets a stop and I like Oregon and Cai Brummer.
DAVID ROY’S PREDICTIONS:
OREGON 31, OHIO STATE 42
Both teams are coming off blowout losses, and I get that Ohio State has had turnover issues lately. However, their offense has the weapons, and Jefferson Allen can still sling it, and I don’t trust Oregon’s offense to keep up. They’ve only scored more than 40 once all season, Ohio State’s done it twice. So long as the Buckeyes can avoid turnovers, I think they’ll be fine.
THE VERDICT:
This game is about as split as it can be, and once again there’s a playoff atmosphere to tonight. Ohio State HAS to win, but their recent struggles have put them in that position. It’s also likely played a role into our analysts being split to the point that Oregon has been given a 5-4 advantage to win.
