Throughout the year, we will be asking and answering questions about various Ohio State teams, the players, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33, or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Coming off Ohio State’s 59-3 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday, attention has turned to the Big Ten portion of the season. With the focus now moving to conference
play, the best players need to be on the field if the Buckeyes are going to have a shot at achieving their goals.
So, in this week’s fan survey, we want to know where your head is in regard to many of the young players who have had opportunities to show their potential. Then, since the Buckeyes will be back on the field this weekend, we also want you to pick the margin of victory for Saturday’s game.
Take a look at the options below, then vote in the survey at the bottom of the article. On Saturday morning, before the game kicks off, we will share the results, so make sure to check back in with us in a few days. And if you want to explain your rationale or add another option, head down to the comments and break it down.
Question 1: Which young player are you buying the most stock in?
While Ohio State’s first three games have obviously not been all sunshine and rainbows, one of the most exciting aspects of the early season has been seeing many of the best young players on the roster shining in the opportunities to succeed. From Legend Bey’s electric touchdown in the season opener to Jay Timmons looking like a BIA veteran to Chris Henry Jr.‘s two… yes, two, Gus… touchdowns through three games, and more, aside from Jeremiah Smith, the young Bucks have been the highlights through the first quarter of the season.
With Brock Boyd already looking like a regular in the receiver rotation, Riley Pettijohn arguably being the best linebacker on the team, and Khary Wilder showing flashes of dominance from the edge rusher position, the future is bright for the Buckeyes. But which of these six young players are you ready to invest the most in?
Question 2: What will be the margin of victory in Ohio State vs. Illinois?
The Buckeyes are 27.5-point favorites heading into their first Big Ten game of the season, and the gold standard of college football analytics, SP+, projects OSU to win the game 37-16, which is significantly under the bookmakers’ line.
Ohio State leads the all-time series 69-30-4, The most recent meeting came last season in Champaign, when Ohio State won 34-16. The Buckeyes didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, finishing with only 272 yards of total offense, but they led throughout. CJ Donaldson ran for two touchdowns, Bo Jackson added 47 rushing yards and a receiving score, and Jeremiah Smith caught a touchdown pass from Julian Sayin. Defensively, Ohio State held Illinois to 16 points while recording six tackles for loss, four sacks, and a Payton Pierce interception. It would be nice to repeat the defensive numbers, but get a little bit more from the offense this weekend.
Below, I’ve got a few options for margins of victory for you to choose from. Will Ryan Day and company notch their first conference win of the season? Or will Bert’s Boys be able to pull off the upset?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in OSU fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
