Dear Old Gold
Fansided

Projecting The Preseason Top 25: Did The Hawkeyes Make The Cut?

By Dan Vasta

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 12: Kicker Keith Duncan
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 12: Kicker Keith Duncan /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
26 of 27
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on against the Clemson Tigers during the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2) Ohio State Buckeyes

Key Player: QB JT Barrett

Barrett did not play his best down the stretch and being unable to develop a star, clear-cut number one receiver was an issue. Curtis Samuel flashed brilliance at times, but he was more of that hybrid h-back moreso then a wide receiver.

Whether they turn to a committee approach or develop a top target this year, it will be Barrett’s responsibility to regain his mo-jo. After all, he did shatter Drew Brees’ B1G record for most total touchdowns in 2014 with 45.

Key Stat: Steady As They Come

Under Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes have simply been amazing. The expectations are sky high like most of the time as Ohio State has won 11 or more games in all five of his seasons thus far. Another season with 11 or more wins likely will equal another trip to a NY6 bowl and likely the CFP.

Key Game: 11/25 at Michigan

Jim Harbaugh has been owned by Ohio State and the Buckeye faithful love to see nothing more. Something the Michigan faithful likely enjoyed was the beatdown that Ohio State suffered on the national scene against Clemson. The Buckeyes must finish stronger this season and they were fortunate to reach the CFP despite not appearing in the B1G title. A win in Ann Arbor will likely sneak them into the B1G title this year and they will have to shine against the top competition.