Ohio State Football: Who Could Beat the Buckeyes Before the Michigan Game?

While the Ohio State Buckeyes remain the only undefeated team in the Big 10, they realize that they still have unfinished business to attend to. There are five very important games left on their schedule. 

As of the present moment there's only one thing we know for certain about what will happen with this team by the time the 2012 season comes to a close: Urban Meyer will forever change the culture of Buckeye football. 

Seeing as how the Buckeyes can't go to a bowl game or compete for the conference title this year, the most they could ask for is an undefeated season. That means that they must finish strong. 

With Michigan being the toughest of all the remaining teams on their schedule, here's a ranking of the teams that have the best chance of beating Ohio State before their annual meeting with their much-hated arch rivals. 

5. The Illinois Fighting Illini

Record: 2-5 (0-3)

Result of last meeting: Ohio State won 17-7

Next meeting: Nov. 3, 2012

Location: Columbus, Ohio 

Storyline: While Illinois usually gives Ohio State fits, this shouldn't be the case in their next meeting against the Buckeyes as the Fighting Illini have been outscored by 88 points this season. 

4. The Purdue Boilermakers

Record: 3-3 (0-2) 

Result of last meeting: Purdue won in overtime 26-23 

Next meeting: Oct. 20, 2012

Location: Columbus, Ohio 

Storyline: Purdue started off the season 3-1 with their only loss coming in a close matchup against Notre Dame. However, once they entered conference play they just fell apart, losing by a combined 55 points against Michigan and Wisconsin.

Ohio State should cruise to victory easily over Purdue but then again you never know what might happen. 

3. The Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: 4-2 (2-0)

Result of last meeting: Penn State won 20-14

Next meeting: Oct. 27, 2012

Location: State College, Pa.

Storyline: After losing the first two games of this season, Penn State has been on the rebound as of late, winning the last four games and looking good while doing it. If the Buckeyes want to come away with a win over the Nittany Lions they will have to bring their A-game as Happy Valley is a tough place to play. 

2. The Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 5-2 (2-1)

Result of last meeting: Ohio State won 33-29

Next meeting: Nov. 17, 2012

Location: Madison, Wis.

Storyline: Don't let Wisconsin's 5-2 record fool you. Both of their losses came against some legitimate teams on the road by a combined total of just six points. Ohio State's game against them this year will be played in Madison where the Badgers haven't lost in three years. 

This one will be very interesting. I figure that the team who wins in the trenches will most likely come away victorious.

1. The Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 7-0 (3-0)

Result of last meeting: Ohio State gave up 481 total yards and 49 points against the Indiana Hoosiers while committing 10 penalties for 91 yards, turning the ball over once. 

Next meeting: Oct. 20, 2012

Location: Wherever they play 

Storyline: Wait, is that a typo or did I really say that Ohio State has the best chance of beating Ohio State? You bet I did.

While the Buckeyes have more talent than just about every team in the conference, the best chance they have to lose a game before matching up with "that team up north" is if they beat themselves. 

They have to play mistake-free football while not blowing assignments, limiting the amount of penalties they commit and not turning the ball over. If they do so, then chances are they'll run the table.

Only time will tell what happens. So as always, God bless and go Bucks.