Ohio State Buckeyes Football: Game by Game Predictions for 2012

After their first losing season since 1988, Ohio State will win at least nine games in 2012 and finish in the Top 25 despite their bowl game ban.

Last year, their 6-7 season was really a side note to their off-the-field controversies, and 2012 is a brand new year with a new coach and 19 returning starters.

Urban Meyer also brought in a top-10 recruiting class after getting the head coaching job in December.

Are the Buckeyes back?

There's still a lot to figure out as the season progresses, but on paper they have one of the "most talented teams" in the Big Ten.

Here are game-by-game predictions for the 2012 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ohio State vs. Miami (OH): Saturday, Sept. 1

This is the first game of the Urban-era at the Horseshoe, and it's good news for Buckeyes fans they are playing Miami of Ohio.

Last year, the RedHawks limped to a 4-8 record and although senior quarterback Zac Dysert is back, they will be overmatched. 

Prediction: Ohio State wins big against their in-state foe.

Ohio State vs. UCF: Saturday, Sept. 8

Instead of battling a national powerhouse in Week 2, the Buckeyes have scheduled a C-USA opponent to play at home.

Although the Knights have been to two bowl games in the last three years, they are coming off an 5-7 season. Don't be surprised if Ohio State puts up points early and often.

Prediction: Ohio State goes to 2-0 with an impressive win.

Ohio State vs. California: Saturday, Sept. 15

This is the first test for the Buckeyes, because even though the Golden Bears are coming off a lackluster 7-6 season, they have talent on offense.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen is an absolute beast and senior running back Isi Sofele rushed for 1322 yards last year.

Prediction: The Buckeyes beat the Golden Bears in a high-flying shootout and move to 3-0.

Ohio State vs. UAB: Saturday, Sept. 22

The Buckeyes should have no problem with their second C-USA test of the season, as the Blazers ranked 110th in points against (36.8) last year.

Look for sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller to let it fly under Meyer’s new offensive scheme.

Prediction: Ohio State moves to 4-0 and into the Top 15.

Ohio State at Michigan State: Saturday, Sept. 29

Going on the road to East Lansing won't be easy for the Buckeyes, but with Kurt Cousins and B.J. Cunningham in the NFL, the Spartans are not the same team from a year ago.

If the Buckeyes can control Spartans running back Le'Veon Bell, they should be able to grab their first Big Ten road win.

Prediction: Ohio State wins in a nail-biter and goes to 5-0.

Ohio State vs. Nebraska: Saturday, Oct. 6

The Buckeyes will play their fifth home game of the season when Nebraska comes in fresh off a 9-4 record in its inaugural Big Ten season. 

The Cornhuskers have talent on offense but can be one-dimensional at times with back Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez keeping things on the ground.

Prediction: Ohio State wins in a close game and improves to 6-0.

Ohio State at Indiana: Saturday, Oct. 13

After a big win the week before, there is always the worry that the Buckeyes could come out slow on the road against the Hoosiers.

Luckily for Ohio State, Indiana isn't very good and shouldn't prove to be much of a challenge in Bloomington.

Prediction: The Buckeyes will cruise to a lopsided win and possibly jump into the Top Five.

Ohio State vs. Purdue: Saturday, Oct. 20

After three straight losing seasons, the Boilermakers went 7-6, including a 26-23 victory against the Buckeyes in overtime last year.

This year, Purdue travels to Columbus, but after tough early games against Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Michigan, they could be beaten down.

Prediction: Ohio State wins by double-digits and moves to 8-0.

Ohio State at Penn State: Saturday, Oct. 27

Each team could enter this matchup undefeated, with the Nittany Lions having a relatively easy schedule to this point.

Going into Happy Valley will be difficult, and if Penn State jumps on the Buckeyes early, it may be too much for Ohio State to pull off the win.

Prediction: Ohio State loses their first game of the year.

Ohio State vs. Illinois: Saturday, Nov. 3

The Fighting Illini are also team in transition after firing coach Ron Zook. Last year, the Buckeyes beat Illinois in Champaign, which started their tailspin to a 6-7 record.

Ohio State should respond after a tough loss against Penn State.

Prediction: The Buckeyes will bounce back and climb to 9-1.

Ohio State at Wisconsin: Saturday, Nov. 17

Although the Badgers lost Russell Wilson, Nick Toon and a good portion of their offensive line, they will be a strong force in the Big Ten.

The Buckeyes will be tested in Camp Randall Stadium, but with Montee Ball carrying the load, Wisconsin will control the ball.

Prediction: The home crowd and run game will be too much for Ohio State, and the Buckeyes lose for the second time this season.

Ohio State vs. Michigan: Saturday, Nov. 24

Last year the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 2003 and sent the rivalry to a new high.

Michigan went on to win the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech. 

This year they put their bragging rights on the line when they come into the "Horseshoe" looking to make it two-in-a-row.

Prediction: The Wolverines and Denard "Shoelace" Robinson will beat the Buckeyes in a close game.

Overall Record: 9-3