Ohio State heads to Minnesota to take on a Gophers team that has surprised the Big Ten this season.
The Buckeyes are fresh off a win over Michigan State, and can inch closer to cliniching the Big Ten East with a victory on Saturday. Meanwhile, Minnesota has a chance to win the West division as they find themselves in a three-way tie with Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Records:
Ohio State: 8-1 (5-0 Big Ten)
Minnesota: 7-2 (4-1 Big Ten)
Last Meeting: Ohio State won 52-10 in 2010 (win was vacated as part of Buckeyes NCAA violations)
Ohio State Outlook: It was the same story for the Buckeyes in their win over the Spartans; J.T. Barrett had another incredible performance to lead a powerful offensive attack.
Barrett has thrown for 26 touchdowns, rushed for eight more and thrown just seven interceptions on the year.
With games against Indiana and Michigan left on the schedule, this is Ohio State's final game against a ranked opponent, as well as their final road game this year.
Minnesota Outlook: The Gophers put themselves in a position to win the Big Ten West after destroying Iowa with a 51-14 victory last Saturday.
Minnesota will win the West division if they win out over the final three games. It is a tall task to say the least, as Ohio State is the first opponent in a gauntlet that includes road games at #16 Nebraska and #20 Wisconsin - the two teams the Gophers are currently tied with.
Running back David Cobb has been the key to Minnesota's offense, rushing for 1,205 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
What to watch for: Will the Buckeyes take the Gophers seriously after an emotional victory over Michigan State? Minnesota is playing confidently, so despite Ohio State's recent run of success, the Gophers shouldn't be taken lightly.
This is a classic scenario for an upset: Ohio State coming off their biggest win of the season, going on the road against an underdog who has played very well under the radar this season.
The Buckeyes are more talented, but they must be just as focused in this game as they were last week to avoid an upset.
What they're saying:
Jalin Marshall's role to expand in offense (Scarlett and Game)
Young Buckeyes having no problem scoring points (Akron Beacon Journal)
Prediction:
Ohio State - 42, Minnesota - 24
The Gophers have had a surprisingly strong season so far, but the Buckeyes are equipped to take care of business in this game with the offense rolling on all cylinders right now.
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