Ad Disclosure
ESPN’s FPI is definitely a believer in Ohio State.
That metric gives the Buckeyes a 42.8 percent chance of finishing the season undefeated. That mark is No. 3 in the country amongst Power 5 teams, trailing only Alabama (45.2 percent) and Clemson (43.4 percent).
Per FPI, Ohio State’s toughest-remaining game is next week vs. Penn State. The Buckeyes only have one other Top-20 FPI matchup all season — against Michigan in the final week of the regular season.
Beyond that, the Buckeyes only have one other Top-60 FPI opponent remaining on the schedule, and that’s Indiana at No. 21.
FPI also ranks Ohio State as the No. 4 offense, No. 21 defense and No. 5 overall team.
Those are strong numbers following Ohio State’s dominating 52-17 win over Nebraska in its Big Ten opener.
Justin Fields was the standout performer in the Week 1 win over the Huskers, completing 20-of-21 passes and scoring three total touchdowns.
FPI gives the Buckeyes more than a 90 percent chance to win five of its remaining games: Rutgers, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan State. They’re not quite as bullish on the Buckeyes vs. Penn State and Michigan, but still give them a 79 percent 87.2 percent chance to win those games, respectively.
Ohio State’s Week 2 matchup in Happy Valley kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.