Big Ten Football: Predicting The East Division

2. Ohio State

Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Probably going to catch some hell for this, but my Buckeye buddies know I love them. Are the Buckeyes stacked yet again? Yes. Do they have a legitimate shot at being a part of the first College Football Playoff? You betcha. Will they be? Nope.

I respect Braxton Miller, but I’ve seen what he does under pressure far too often and as recently as last season. On the ground against Michigan State, he did his thing. Racked up 142 yards and two scores, but (and you knew there was a “but” coming), his passing left something to be desired.

Going 8-21 while throwing for 101 yards and a touchdown won’t win a conference title (and didn’t). Going 16-24 for 234 yards and two touchdowns won’t win a major bowl game when you’re picked off twice. Everyone believed the hype in 2013 until the spotlight was shattered two times in a row when it counted.

Now, Urban Meyer doesn’t have Carlos Hyde, Ryan Shazier and Bradley Roby. Is that to say OSU is devoid of talent? Absolutely not, but those are three major players that can’t be replaced with a snap of a finger.

That said, I do see Ohio State dominating their schedule again, except for one game…

Final Record: 11-1 (7-1)