The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to get back to the College Football Playoff in 2023. Ohio State brings back a ton of talent on offense and the defense looks to take a step forward under second year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Ryan Day has been great in his tenure at Ohio State. In fact, Ohio State hasn’t won less than ten games in a season since 2011. Will the Buckeyes finally get back on top of the Big Ten in 2023? Here is the preview for the 2023 Ohio State Buckeyes.
Offense
This offense is bringing back a ton of returning players in 2023. However, they need a new quarterback with C.J. Stroud going to the NFL. In comes Kyle McCord, who had competed with Stroud last year for the QB1 spot. Now that the keys are McCord’s, he has to take advantage of it. Brian Hartline becomes the offensive coordinator, as Ryan Day steps down from play-calling. Hartline’s play calling skills will be easy with the talent that McCord has around him in 2023.
At the running back position, they have a dynamic duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams. They combined for 1,396 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns last season. With that dynamic duo controlling the pace of the game being effective at running the ball, it opens up the passing game with the talent of wide receivers that they have. Easily the best one on the roster and arguably the best receiver in all of college football has to be Marvin Harrison Jr. Last season he had 77 receptions to go along with 1,263 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Marvin Harrison Jr stepped up in a big way last season and he had some help along the way. Emeka Egbuka had 1,151 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season and is due for another good season in 2023. Julian Fleming returns for his senior season and will be another good target for McCord.
With the targets being worthy for McCord, the offensive line has shown signs of life so far in camp. Yes, they lost Paris Johnson Jr and Dawand Jones to the NFL. However, they have guys that are going to step up and be good for this Buckeyes offense. McCord has the talent around him so there is no excuse for him not to ball out in 2023 with this offense.
Defense
This defense had a change of pace with their new formation (4-2-5) last season. On the defensive line, they were far from dominant like they have been in year’s past. However, they have defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau controlling the edge. Sawyer was tied for first last year on the team in sacks. Tuimoloau also finished second on the team in tackles for a loss. A leading force is none other than defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. Hall Jr. was also tied for first last year on the team in sacks as well. This defensive line needs to be better and it starts with their team leader in sacks getting more than 4.5 in 2023.
The Buckeyes have their two leading tacklers returning at linebacker in 2023. Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers come into 2023 as the leaders of the defense, but they need some depth to help if they need to take a play or two off. In comes Cody Simon who can provide aid for these two linebackers. If these three linebackers are playing well, this defense will be tough to go up against.
In the secondary, they need a shutdown cornerback. They might have one in Denzel Burke. He has shown flashes of potential and I think he can be legit for this Buckeyes defense in 2023. Ohio State brought in Davison Igbinosun (Ole Miss), Ja’Had Carter (Syracuse), and Lorenzo Styles Jr. (Notre Dame) to add some depth in this secondary. Jordan Hancock has great speed and ball skills for the cornerback position. This group has a chance to be special in 2023 and we should keep an eye on them as the season progresses.
Win Total Bet
The Ohio State win total is set at 10.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the odds on the over set at -115 and the under set at -105. Ohio State is going to go over this mark, I would guarantee a lot of things on this. Take the over 10.5 wins at -115 odds for 2 units. The Buckeyes offense is going to be one of the highest scoring offenses in the country. Their defense will take a step forward in 2023. Buy in on this Ohio State team as they will not let their fans down in 2023.
Schedule Predictions
Blowout Win at Indiana (1-0)
Win vs Youngstown State (2-0)
Win vs Western Kentucky (3-0)
Statement Win at Notre Dame (4-0)
Win vs Maryland (5-0)
Win at Purdue (6-0)
Big Rivalry Win vs Penn State (7-0)
Loss at Wisconsin (7-1)
WIn at Rutgers (8-1)
Win vs Michigan State (9-1)
Big Win vs Minnesota (10-1)
Rivalry Win at Michigan (11-1)