Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
The Ohio State Buckeyes were one of the best teams in the nation in 2012, if not the best, finishing the season 12-0 in Urban Meyer‘s first year as head coach. Meyer has this squad back in discussions for top teams in the nation contending for a national title. Losing Braxton Miller early in their week two game was scary, but he is fine and so are these Buckeyes.
On the other side of the field, the California Golden Bears are under new direction in head coach Sonny Dykes and will look to improve from last year’s 3-9 debacle. With a tough loss against Northwestern and a close win against Portland State, it could be interesting to see how this top young coach improves the lowly squad.
Ohio State is led by Heisman-hopeful Braxton Miller who had to leave the week two game against San Diego State because of an injury. He was replaced by backup quarterback Kenny Guiton who passed for 173 yards on 20-29 passing for three touchdowns. Running back Jordan Hall impressed once again with 75 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in week two. He has 234 yards and three touchdowns on the season filling in for Carlos Hyde.
California’s offense has been potent in terms of passing this season so far. Freshman quarterback Jared Goff seems to be one of the few reasons that this team won’t be completely desolate on the offensive side of things. He has passed for 930 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in the first two weeks of the season. His numbers are impressive, but the offense needs a more well-rounded attack because the run game hasn’t been there.
Defensively, the Ohio State Buckeyes have yet to play a tough opponent and it shows. They have only allowed 13.5 points per game to go along with 269 total yards per contest. This is a talented squad and should keep proving they can play solid defense even against top teams. Cal’s defense is a different story. They average 37 points and over 500 yards allowed per game.
Ohio State will travel to California to take on the Golden Bears at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 14. The game will be broadcasted on FOX.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 42, Cal 15
Related: Ohio State Preview
California With Best QB in School History?
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
