Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesPerfection is not only a goal but an expectation for the Ohio State Buckeyes following a 12-0 campaign last season.
In 2013, Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes are bowl eligible and expected to win the Big Ten Conference en route to reaching a BCS bowl game. But before Ohio State can run the table for a second straight year, it will have to navigate through a tricky schedule that features a handful of challenging matchups, including three brutal road games.
With the season drawing closer, let’s take a closer look at the Buckeyes’ toughest matchups in 2013.
Sept. 14: At California Golden Bears
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesNearly one year after surviving Cal in a thrilling matchup in Columbus, the Buckeyes will head West to take on the Golden Bears in Berkeley on Sept. 14.
Cal will have revenge on its mind following last year’s heartbreaking loss at Ohio Stadium, which saw the Bears tie the game at 28-28 midway through the fourth quarter before Braxton Miller and Devin Smith hooked up on a 72-yard touchdown pass with just over three minutes remaining to keep Ohio State’s hopes of a perfect season alive.
Although Cal is coming off a dismal 3-9 season in 2012, playing on the road is always tough in college football, especially when you’re going up against a power conference opponent more than 2,400 miles from home.
Cal fans are always rowdy and will do their best to help propel the Golden Bears to a huge early-season upset.
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Highlighting Buckeyes’ Toughest Matchups in 2013
