2010 College Football Predictions: Ohio State vs. Marshall

As of today, there are 18 days, or just over two weeks left before the start of the season for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Their first game will be at home against Marshall University, which should end in the Buckeyes first victory of the season.

When comparing these two teams, it is easy to see why OSU should come out of this game victorious.

Home Field Advantage

When the Buckeyes play at home, they tend to do very well, like most other teams.

Since the team will be feeling at home and comfortable, they will be able to really focus on the game in front of them and start the season by showing Marshall, and the fans, how they have grown since last season.

Strength of Schedule

When comparing strength of schedule, which is usually a good indication of a team’s strength in general, OSU clearly has it tough.

Marshall is set to play teams like Ohio University, Bowling Green, and East Carolina. The strongest teams they will face in their schedule this season will be OSU and West Virginia.

OSU on the other hand, will be playing tougher schools in Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, and Purdue.

This basic look at the two teams' schedules shows that OSU is the stronger team, which is why they play in a much tougher conference than Marshall does.

This strength will allow the Buckeyes to outscore the Thundering Herd easily in this game.

Strength of the Team

With many of the players from last year returning again this year for OSU, the Buckeyes are going to have not only a strong offense, but also a very strong defense.

One of the strongest parts of the Buckeye offense this season will of course be their returning star quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

If Pryor starts the season at a level of play similar or greater to the one he displayed last season, the Buckeyes should have no problem moving the ball down the field against the Marshall defense.

The Buckeye defense is also coming back strong this season with line backers such as Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, which will be a very hard force for any team, including Marshall, to get past.

With this combination of an excellent offense and an excellent defense, the Buckeyes will not only be able to score many points against Marshall, but also keep Marshall from scoring many as well.

In the end, this game is an uneven match up of skill, and the Buckeyes will come out of this game with their first win of the season.