[ad_1]
A number of questions will be posed to the State of Ohio ahead of the 2021 college football season. The main one will be who starts at quarterback, what the linebacker situation looks like, how runs. will they be handed out to the running back and how much better secondary can be compared to a year ago.
But the bigger question, and the only one that really matters based on the Buckeyes’ goals, is where Scarlet and Gray end up at the end of the season. Will this be another college football playoff trip for Ohio State or will the Buckeyes run out of expectations and watch the varsity football playoff flagship event from another bowl venue? ?
In each of the past two years, Scarlet and Gray have done enough in the regular season to receive a playoff offer. Two years ago, Ohio State narrowly missed out against Clemson before returning to the playoffs for a rematch against the Tigers in the semifinals. It set up a dream national title game against Alabama, but the dream quickly turned into a nightmare in a humiliating 52-24 loss.
Can the Buckeyes come back and this year overcome the hump and bring home that trophy? According to Athlon Sports’ projections for the 43 bowl games for the 2021 season, the answers are yes and no.
Athlon is predicting very familiar ground for this season’s playoffs. While they don’t list the projected standings, Athlon has Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oklahoma in the playoffs. The Crimson Tide and the Tigers have both made the playoffs six times – all but one year – and the Buckeyes and Sooners have each made the playoffs four times.
Based on Athlon’s projections, there will be a rematch for the national title in the 2022 semi-final between Alabama and Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Years Eve. The Orange Bowl will feature featured Clemson and Oklahoma in the other semi.
While not stated, this projection seems to indicate that Scarlet and Gray will win the Big Ten title for a fifth straight year and a third straight season under the direction of the head coach. Ryan day. Athlon predicts Wisconsin will face Oregon in the Rose Bowl in all six New Years games, likely indicating that the Ohio State defeats the Badgers in the title game. The fact that it’s the Buckeyes in the playoffs and not the Ducks likely means Athlon believes Scarlet and Gray will win when the two teams meet at Ohio Stadium on September 11.
Ohio State has a lot of talent to come back on offense, which could be the side of the ball that carries the team, especially at the start of the year, into the playoffs. Although the quarterback position needs to be determined, there are three talented options in CJ Stroud, Jack miller and Kyle mccord. The reception hall is managed by a senior Chris Olave and junior Garrett wilson, but has a lot of depth behind these two. There are a number of running back options, starting with junior Master Teague, who will compete for the carries. The offensive line returns two of the country’s best offensive tackles in Thayer Munford and Nicholas Petit-Frere and will have players who have seen time compete for the three inside positions.
What’s next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you’re in the know – take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes Newsletter Now!
Want the latest scoops and news on the Buckeyes? Try our FREE 7 DAY TRIAL AND BECOME A BUCKNUTS SUBSCRIBER!
Buckeye’s defense faces more questions, but there’s no doubt that talent on paper. Elders Tyreke smith and Haskell Garrett and junior Zach harrison will lead the defensive line. Linebackers are due to replace the three starters from a year ago, but have three seniors in Teradja mitchell, Dallas Glove and Pope K’Vaughan, as well as talented young players looking for representatives. The secondary will feature seniors Sevyn banks and Josh proctor back, but will need people like Lathan ransom, Ryan watts, Sevyn Banks and Cameron Martinez to take steps to return high school to its high level after a year of decline last season.
[ad_2]
Source link