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Given that Ohio State doesn’t release an official depth chart, the season opener could be full of surprises. But here’s a last attempt to round up a few loose ends, and then predictions for Thursday’s opener at Minnesota.
Which freshmen?
How many freshmen will see the field for OSU?
Obviously, CJ Stroud at QB will be in from play one. Miyan Williams may start at running back, and TreVeyon Henderson figures to see some snaps. Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison will be in the rotation at receiver. True frosh Donovan Jackson and redshirt Josh Fryar could see some OL snaps.
Defensively, Jack Sawyer will see plenty of snaps up front, and in the secondary redshirts Ryan Watts, Lejond Cavazos and Kourt Williams (hybrid player) could all see some clock, likely joined by true frosh Denzel Burke. Of course, Jesse Mirco is a true frosh punter and redshirt freshman Jake Seibert may get the nod on place-kicking.
Again, no two-deep to look at, but if that’s not the most freshmen (and many TRUE freshmen) who might see legitimate duty in an opener for OSU, it would have to be close to it.
Opening history
Ohio State has won 21 consecutive season openers — with the last loss coming in, wait for it, 1999 against Miami at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Obviously, they’ll hope to party like it’s any year SINCE 1999 on Thursday.
The last time Ohio State opened the season on the road was 2017 against Indiana. That one started a little shaky, with the Buckeyes trailing at halftime 14-13 before pulling away for a 49-21 victory. Meanwhile, how long has it been since Ohio State played at Minnesota? OSU has played at every other Big Ten stadium since the last time they faced the Gophers in Minneapolis, back in mid-November 2014. Ryan Day was a 2nd-year offensive coordinator at Boston College when that game was played. Ohio State won 31-24 on a 15 degree day.
Predictions
Ohio State offense vs. Minnesota defense
So many unknowns are about to become known for the Buckeyes. It’s the first game for Stroud and for a couple of receivers who will soon follow Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson as OSU big-play kings. Master Teague is the wily old man here, but the other 2 backs are brand new and almost brand new.
Kevin Wilson’s offenses have topped 40 points per game every season — and 500 yards per game. No reason to think they struggle here. Granted, Minnesota returns ten defensive starters — but it’s a defense that opened last season giving up 45 and 44 points to Michigan and Maryland. The Gophers were gashed for 6.3 yards per carry in 2020, and OSU might favor the run and the safe pass to play things a little safe before Oregon next week. Prediction here is that OSU rushes for 250, throws for another 200, and puts up 45 points.
Ohio State defense vs. Minnesota offense
On the other hand, Minnesota returns 10 starters on offense, and with QB Tanner Morgan and RB Mohamed Ibrahim, that’s a little scary. This should be a good test for State. We’ll see more of the 4-2-5 look, and a veteran offensive line will give State a chance to test its pass rushers. Ibrahim is too good to shut down for four quarters, and he’ll probably get to 100 rushing yards. But meanwhile, OSU will force a couple early turnovers (a pick and a sack/strip) and end up holding Minnesota to 21 points, with a fourth-quarter score making the game look a little closer than it is.
Predicting the outcome
Ohio State 45, Minnesota 21. Player of the Game is Master Teague, who is kind of sneaking under the radar right now.
Veteran college writer Joe Cox covers Ohio State and college basketball for Saturday Tradition.