The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked thirteenth in the nation, and still have a valuable (to their rankings) game against Michigan State, who are currently ranked No. 8. Fans, pundits, and Vegas insiders alike like what they’re seeing from Ohio State this season, as the Buckeyes are heavy favorites going into their game against Rutgers. This week Top Bet set their NCAA betting spread at -21.5.
So there’s obviously plenty to positive about this season, and lots of room for this team, who are currently fifth in the nation in points per game (44.6) and have allowed a respectable 20.8 points per game, good for third in college football.
And yet, the most positive news this season may just be the tip of the iceberg. The Buckeyes are currently starting 13 sophomores or freshmen in their starting 24, making them the youngest team in the Big Ten. Not bad for a team that is far from out of the hunt for a late College Football Playoff spot.
Making matters even better for the 2015 edition of the Buckeyes is their prospective quarterback situation. J.T. Barrett has thrown for 1354 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, and will likely be back next year regardless of what happens with Braxton Miller, who might well return for a fifth season after he recovers from his injury.
Defensively, there is plenty of youth in this lineup as well. Freshman Eli Apple has been holding down the starting cornerback position, while second year safeties Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell will be back next year as well.
Now matter how things go with Rutgers this week, it’s a positive outlook for the Buckeyes. Key players are gaining experience, and Ohio State has itself in a rare position for a college football team: focused on winning it all now with a team that will, with a degree of certainty, be even better next year.
