OHIO STATE VS. MINNESOTA PREDICTIONS

Bill Rabinowitz Ohio State beat writer The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State 38, Minnesota 24

If this were a midseason game, I’d probably have Ohio State winning by a bigger margin. But quarterback C.J. Stroud is starting his first game and there are enough questions about the Buckeyes’ defense that an experienced Minnesota team can flirt with an upset. The Golden Gophers’ big offensive line will pose a challenge. In the end, though, Ohio State simply has too much talent for the Gophers.

Joey Kaufman Ohio State beat writer The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State 42, Minnesota 24

If there is a potential danger in this matchup for Ohio State, it’s the experience of Minnesota, which has the secondmost returning production among any roster in the Big Ten. But the Buckeyes are unbeaten in the 14 conference games they’ve played since Ryan Day took over on a full-time basis in 2019, and even with turnover at quarterback, that won’t change Thursday night.

Rob Oller Sports columnist The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State 46, Minnesota 20 Maybe the Golden Gophers would put up more of a fight in freezing November temperatures, but I doubt it. Will firsttime starter C.J. Stroud look confused? It would be understandable, given that the redshirt freshman quarterback has never thrown a pass in a college game. But as long as he doesn’t toss four interceptions the Buckeyes will get out of the gate with a convincing bang.

Andy Greder Minnesota beat writer St. Paul Pioneer Press

Ohio State 38, Minnesota 21

The Buckeyes receivers are too talented and too plentiful to not hurdle a 14-point spread against a Gopher secondary who lost an NFL pick, couldn’t net a transfer corner and pins hopes others can step up.