Predicting Every Game for Urban Meyer and Ohio State in the 2012 Season

It may be 2012, but we're technically still in the 2011 college football season. There are five games bowl games remaining, including the BCS National Championship matchup between Alabama and Louisiana State.

Still, Ohio State just wrapped up this year's (or last, however you'd like to look at it) campaign after a 24-17 loss to the Florida Gators in the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl. The Buckeyes finished with a 6-7 overall record under interim coach Luke Fickell's tenure.

Now Urban Meyer takes over.

Despite the fact that OSU will not be making a trip to a bowl game next season due to its one-year ban instilled by the NCAA, there's plenty to look forward to in '12.

A successful first year under Meyer would build momentum heading into a possible national title run in 2013-14. It will also allow his young players to mold into the new system, including the hot recruits he's reeled in.

There's a lot of time to pass by before September 1 rolls around, but it's never too early to start talking about it.

Here is a score prediction for every game on Ohio State's schedule in 2012.

vs. Miami (OH) Redhawks

Who

Miami of Ohio RedHawks

What

Non-conference game

When

Saturday, September 1

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 37, Miami 14

Why

Urban Meyer will battle fellow Ohio opponent Miami (OH) in his coaching debut with the Buckeyes. Although no game is guaranteed, the RedHawks struggled in 2011, finishing with a 4-8 (3-5 MAC) record after an outstanding 10-4 record the prior season. They failed to find a consistent game plan and finished dead last (120th) in the running game. Ohio State should be able to score at will against an overmatched Miami defense and stop opposing quarterback Zac Dysert with ease.

vs. Central Florida Knights

Who

Central Florida Knights

What

Non-conference game

When

Saturday, September 8

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 29, UCF 10

Why

After an impressive 2-0 start where Central Florida outscored opponents 92-3, the Knights lost seven of their last ten games. That includes a loss to the UAB Blazers, who finished 108th and 110th in points scored and allowed, respectively. Former Auburn defensive coordinator Ted Roof will improve the UCF defense, but it won't be enough to keep the Knights in the game for long.

vs. California Golden Bears

Who

California Golden Bears

What

Non-conference game

When

Saturday, September 15

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 20, California 17

Why

With the exception of UCLA, there were no surprises with the Golden Bears in 2011. They beat who they were supposed to beat and lost to who they were supposed to lose to. Upcoming senior QB Zach Maynard was extremely inconsistent this year, ranging anywhere from three passing touchdowns in a game to four interceptions. I think the outcome will be somewhat similar to the 1950 Rose Bowl, where the Buckeyes came out on top, 17-14.

vs. Alabama-Birmingham Blazers

Who

Alabama-Birmingham Blazers

What

Non-conference game

When

Saturday, September 22

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 40, UAB 3

Why

UAB started the season 0-6 and was outscored 198-79 in this time before splitting the final six games at 3-3. Still, the Blazers were in the bottom quartile in nearly every major statistic and will be completely overpowered when visiting the 'Shoe. But hey, their school gets paid a nice pretty penny.

at Michigan State Spartans

Who

Michigan State Spartans

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, September 29

Where

Spartan Stadium, East Lansing

Score Prediction

Ohio State 20, Michigan State 19

Why

Kirk Cousins—Michigan State's all-time winningest quarterback in school history—will not be returning next season and is expected to be drafted into the NFL. Additionally, every starter that caught one of his passes this year will also be gone. Still, the Spartans will be bringing back nine starters from the Big Ten's top defense. Ohio State will be in for one heck of a physical battle, but the offensive mind of Urban Meyer may be the difference in the final minutes of the game.

vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Who

Nebraska Cornhuskers

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, October 6

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 21, Nebraska 20

Why

Taylor Martinez's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde football personality is suspect on the field, even though he led the Huskers back from the grave in 2011's matchup. Running back Rex Burkhead was one of the best rushers in the conference and could possibly leave early for the NFL draft. The stud-filled defensive line underachieved with Baker Steinkuhler and Cameron Meredith (11th in Big Ten sacks, eighth in Big Ten rushing defense). Even without Crick (NFL draft), a Bo Pelini-led defense will always keep things interesting. But a healthy Braxton Miller proved to be the Cornhuskers' weakness, and this time the crowd won't be a factor.

at Indiana Hoosiers

Who

Indiana Hoosiers

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, October 13

Where

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington

Score Prediction

Ohio State 37, Indiana 23

Why

I was impressed with the Hoosiers' true freshman quarterback, Tre Roberson, when he gave the Buckeyes defense some trouble in Week 10. His dual-threat abilities distorted the front seven, as he threw for 174 yards and ran for 70 more. Indiana won't be a contender for a Big Ten title, and it most likely won't appear in a bowl, but it does have a bright spot and the potential to do good things in the future with Roberson.

vs. Purdue Boilermakers

Who

Purdue Boilermakers

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, October 20

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 30, Purdue 17

Why

The Buckeyes tend to struggle in West Lafayette, where they've lost two in a row and three of their last four. Good thing the game is played in Columbus next season.

at Penn State Nittany Lions

Who

Penn State Nittany Lions

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, October 27

Where

Beaver Stadium, University Park

Score Prediction

Ohio State 16, Penn State 13

Why

Happy Valley is always a difficult task, but given the state of Penn State's football program, I believe the Buckeyes can come away with a tough win here. The Nittany Lions are currently without a head coach to lead a team that returns just five offensive and defensive starters, including soon-to-be senior quarterback Matt McGloin. He'll be without nearly his entire offensive line, as both starting guards and tackles are lost to graduation.

vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

Who

Illinois Fighting Illini

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, November 3

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 28, Illinois 13

Why

Illinois became the first team in NCAA Division 1-A history to lose its final six regular season games and still clinch a bowl berth. The Fighting Illini's stout defense kept games within reach this year, allowing just 19.6 points per contest. However, their anemic offense was detrimental to their success, as sophomore QB Nathan Scheelhaase and company was held under 20 points on seven different occasions. It's hard to think that Ohio State won't be able to control the pace of the game—much like it did in 2011—with Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde.

at Wisconsin Badgers

Who

Wisconsin Badgers

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, November 17

Where

Camp Randall Stadium, Madison

Score Prediction

Wisconsin 31, Ohio State 23

Why

With Russell Wilson departing, the quarterback position is wide open. Montee Ball could enter the NFL draft, but even if he does, James White could retain his spot as the Big Ten's leading rusher. Wisconsin loses OT Josh Oglesby and OG Kevin Zeitler, but they always put together a stellar offensive line. Whisky will return All-Conference linebackers Chris Borland and Mike Taylor. Opponents don't play particularly well in Madison, where the Badgers are 22-1 over the last three seasons.

vs. Michigan Wolverines

Who

Michigan Wolverines

What

Conference game

When

Saturday, November 24

Where

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

Score Prediction

Ohio State 36, Michigan 34

Why

It's time to start another streak. Ohio State's one-year postseason ban will be considered bad news for the Michigan Wolverines, as "The Game" will be treated as the Buckeyes' Super Bowl. We'll get to see Braxton Miller and Denard Robinson—who combined for 672 yards and eight touchdowns—go at it again, this time in Columbus. With a chunk of Michigan's offensive line missing and almost the entire defensive line graduating or leaving for the NFL, I expect Urban Meyer to get his first victory over the Wolverines as a Buckeye and possibly start what could be another long streak.