Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press On the heels of a closer-than-expected victory against Penn State in double overtime, Ohio State’s Big Ten title hopes—and by extension, its College Football Playoff aspirations—remain intact as the calendar turns to November. With the Buckeyes already having two bye weeks this season, the month is jam-packed with five games for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes. Can Ohio State bounce back from a disappointing performance against the Nittany Lions and surge through a tough November slate? Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Back at home in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes will roll against an overmatched Illinois team. Urban Meyer will lighten the load for J.T. Barrett after the quarterback suffered a sprained knee against Penn State last Saturday. Barrett will get the ball to his receivers downfield in the passing game—something Ohio State failed to do against Penn State—taking advantage of Illinois’ middle-of-the-pack pass defense that ranks 53rd nationally. Ezekiel Elliott will be the star of the game, though, running for 155 yards and three touchdowns. Joey Bosa will add two more sacks to a resume that’s improving on a weakly basis as the Buckeyes cruise. Prediction: Ohio State 52, Illinois 13 Andy Lyons/Getty Images Ohio State has waited 11 months for another shot at Michigan State, but a strong Spartans defense and a hostile road environment in prime time will be too much for the Buckeyes to overcome. Michigan’s State’s defensive front will overwhelm Ohio State’s erratic offensive line, getting to J.T. Barrett early and often. Like the Penn State game, Ohio State’s passing attack will wilt under the pressure, and Barrett will complete just 50 percent of his passes for 140 yards and an interception. The Buckeyes running game will be held in check as well. Ezekiel Elliott will have a decent game, rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown, but Ohio State will fail to break the 150-yard mark in a frustrating offensive performance. The defense will be stout, holding the Spartans to season-lows in points and total yardage…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Month of November
