2020 Recap: The Big Ten started late last year. October to be exact. Despite a few game cancellations due to COVID-19, they were still able to cruise to yet another perfect season. Since Ryan Day became the coach in Columbus, this was by far his most mentality tough team. That mental toughness was on display last December in the Big Ten conference title game against Northwestern. The Wildcats had Ohio State down, but the second half was a much different ball game. They clinch a playoff spot, get their revenge on the Clemson Tigers before falling short to the eventual national champions in the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Notable Departures: QB Justin Fields, RB Trey Sermon, C Josh Meyers, G Wyatt Davis, LB Baron Browning, DB Shaun Wade.
2021 Prediction: They lost some key guys to the NFL. This was bound to happen. However, the Ohio State Buckeyes are still the best team in the Big Ten and they will win their division yet again. A huge boost for this offense will be the returns of veteran wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. They will each be big targets for whoever will be the starting quarterback. The offensive line will be retooled and should still be considered amongst the best in the country. On the other side, the defense has talent. But, defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs will have his work cut out for him. The Buckeyes struggled to defend the pass in 2020 along with allowing close to six yards per play (5.85).
