Can OSU Avoid a 3-Game Losing Streak?

I don’t know what is more embarrassing… being unable to score a touchdown against Miami after being almost on the goal line twice, 10 seconds away from having your first shutout in almost 2 decades against the Spartans, or forfeiting a 21 point lead in the last quarter and a half? Somehow I am surprised that OSU is 3-3 and not worse off. But the road ahead is not easy, and this Saturday they go up against an undefeated Illini team, in Champagne-Urbana Illinois.

With a win this weekend, Ohio State says they are moving forward from a 3-3 start to the season, and will have a win going into the game against Wisconsin next weekend. With a loss, Ohio State will likely be looking at a four-loss losing streak, and a 3-5 record to try and climb out of. What does Ohio State need to do to win? Score touchdowns, lots of touchdowns, and then more touchdowns. The defense needs to finish games, with a stop essentially at any point in the second half and Ohio State would have won the game. Turnovers have also become an issue. Overall, Ohio State needs to play good football. Illinois’ numbers aren’t great, and it is a miracle that they are undefeated with several close games this season. If their run defense can keep up what it has been doing against Ohio State’s lackluster offense, I can definitely see Illinois coming out on top. If their offense can make plays against the Buckeye defense, anything is possible.

Prediction OSU 19 Illinois 10

The biggest test for Michigan so far this season is against Michigan State. It really is a tossup, unless you know what to look for. Michigan’s offense is based on Denard Robinson scrambling for big gains, and throwing the ball in the air and hoping that a man with a winged helmet catches the ball. Michigan State’s team is based around the best defense in the nation, in terms of yards given up. They shut down Braxton Miller for Ohio State who has a similar playing style, and I cannot see a reason why they can’t do the same to Robinson. Robinson will throw at least 2 interceptions, but at this point it is a given.

Prediction Michigan St. 27 Michigan 10

Two SEC teams looking to bounce back from a few mediocre performances, Florida and Auburn, face off in Auburn. Both teams have less than average statistics, but only one of them can win. Auburn, being at home, almost forces me to favor them in this battle of run of the mill SEC teams.

Prediction Auburn 26 Florida 23

The last game of the night, literally, is Arizona St at Oregon. I don’t know which is the biggest question, How is Arizona State a one loss team? Or How did the U of O get disgraced by LSU? Regardless, Oregon has more or less bounced back from the loss, although Arizona was able to put up 30 points on the Ducks a few weeks ago. There just isn’t anything good about Arizona state, especially when they aren’t playing in Sun Devil Stadium.
Prediction Oregon 56 ASU 35