Use this thread to talk about anything game-related. For away games, we'll have a separate travel thread.

Date: September 13th, 2025 7:00 PM

Opponent: Ohio St.  (2-0)

Site: Ohio Stadium

TV/Webcast: Peacock

Radio: The Varsity Network App (free) 

OSU statistics, roster and media guide

OSU message boards:  Eleven Warriors    Buckeye Huddle

32.5 on Caesars and MGM

In many ways it is a shame that Ohio State is at the height of its powers, because this is the Ohio team that could’ve gotten one of those Tressel or Fickell vanilla punt-forward sleepwalking teams 15 years ago.

Probably the most insane state I've ever heard:

Ohio State hasn't lost an in-state matchup since 1921.


*Edit*

Though now that I google it, OSU didn't play a single team from Ohio between 1934-1992.

OSU didn't play Akron from 1896 to 2000
OSU didn't play Miami (OH) from 1912 to 1999
OSU didn't play OU from 1903 to 2000


Still crazy, but not *that crazy.

Yeah, I saw it open at 34.5 early Sunday, and get down to 31.5 on ESPN bet and then bounce back part way.

Grambling's coach said something like, "Look, We understand what is about to happen here, but our band is here to compete with theirs," in one of the rare instances where a coach says he can't win. We are around a 75-1 shot here I think. If the line is in the mid-low thirties you are in the range where it happens a few times a decade out of several hundred chances. There is no expectation of a win here at all but at least we are in the range where many bigger upsets have happened in sports history. I expect that we are putting together a gameplan with intent to try to win rather than just to get work in. There is no way Coach Smith makes a comment like that this week.

Win this game and I will be fine with not winning another game for the rest of the decade. That's how badly I want to shove it in the face of the most pretentious, obnoxious fanbase in the history of the world. I've prayed to every Deity that I can think of to make this happen.

In any of the following Ohio wins starting with the Grobe years have the Bobcats ever not been the underdog? Minnesota, Maryland, Kentucky, Pitt, Illinois, Penn State, Kansas, Kansas, Iowa State. In any of the program's bowl wins, has Ohio ever not been the underdog?

We were favored at home against Kansas and I am pretty sure @Kansas as well. I am not sure about the latter.

Chat GPT believes in us:

For Ohio (the Bobcats) to shock the world and beat Ohio State (the Buckeyes) this Saturday night in Columbus, here’s what would realistically need to happen:

1. Win the Turnover Battle (and by a lot)

Ohio State is loaded with five-star talent everywhere. The only way a MAC team hangs is if the Buckeyes beat themselves a little.

Ohio needs 3+ takeaways—a strip-sack, an interception on a tipped ball, maybe even a muffed punt.

If Ohio doesn’t have a plus-2 or better turnover margin, it’s nearly impossible to pull the upset.

2. Shorten the Game

Ohio State thrives when they can roll out wave after wave of skill talent. Ohio needs to limit possessions:

Long, clock-eating drives led by QB Parker Navarro (who has real dual-threat ability).

Establishing the run early—even just three yards at a time—keeps Ohio State’s offense on the sideline.

Convert on 3rd and 4th downs to keep the clock moving.

Think Army/Navy style: ugly, but effective.

3. Special Teams Magic

Every historic upset features a “did you see that?!” moment:

A blocked punt or kick return touchdown flips momentum.

Perfect execution on a fake punt or onside kick could steal a possession.

If Ohio plays straight up in special teams, they’re at a disadvantage. They need to gamble here.

4. Limit Explosive Plays

Ohio State has wideouts (like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate) who can break the game open. Ohio must:

Play deep safeties, keep everything in front.

Force OSU to drive 10+ plays instead of scoring in 2.

Hope that patience leads to a Buckeye mistake.

5. Navarro’s Career Game

The quarterback is the equalizer in college football. Navarro has to:

Hit on at least two deep shots to loosen Ohio State’s defense.

Rush for 80–100 yards on broken plays.

Be mistake-free (no picks, no fumbles).

If he’s just “average,” Ohio doesn’t have a chance.

6. Crowd/Pressure Factor

Ohio State will be a 34-point favorite and may come in flat. If Ohio jumps out early (say, 10–0 or 14–7 after one quarter), the pressure flips: the Buckeye crowd gets quiet, players tighten up, and suddenly every drive feels like do-or-die for the heavy favorite.

7. One Breakout Hero

Upsets often hinge on an unexpected star:

A backup RB who suddenly busts a 60-yard TD.

A DB who has the game of his life with two picks.

A defensive lineman who’s in the QB’s face all night.

Ohio needs that kind of performance from someone not on the scouting report.

The Formula

Turnovers: +3 or better.

Time of Possession: 35+ minutes.

Explosive Plays Allowed: Fewer than 3.

Navarro: 300+ total yards, 3 TDs.

Special Teams: At least one game-changing play.

Do those things—and catch Ohio State in a look-ahead or flat performance—and suddenly the impossible becomes possible.

tOSU doesn't play a ranked team until October 11th

I can't see them "looking ahead." They have to know about the win over WVU too.

+1, I actually guessed the line correctly before it came out (just ask my wife lol).

34.5 is spot on. There's a chance they are double digit favorites in every game they play this year, including Penn State depending on how things shake out.

As for beating the Buckeyes on Saturday, from the outside looking in it looks like an insurmountable task. However, go back to March 19, 2021 when the 2nd seeded Buckeyes took on the 15th seeded Golden Eagles of Oral Roberts University in the "Big Dance". Prior to that game basically the entire world outside of the good folks/alums from ORU thought this was going to be a cakewalk for the Buckeyes. Then the Buckeyes got embarrassed on National TV and ORU went on to take out Florida and lose in the last seconds by a bucket to Arkansas. Anything is possible though not really probable. Go Bobcats!

Yes, that's about what this line is. Rutgers would only be a little less than that. Probably close 4 TDs. Vegas clearly thought WVU was about a TD better than us if we were at home and a 3 point dog. I doubt one 7 point win is enough to make oddsmakers think we are better and move it 7 points. WVU is probably around 31, however.