247 Predicts Ohio State Finishes 11-1, But Loses To Who?

With the college football season right around the corner, predictions are already rolling in for the Ohio State Buckeyes 2023 season.

Author:
Harrison Reno
Jun 22, 2023 8:12 PM EDT

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Ohio State Buckeyes

If the Ohio State Buckeyes were going to lose one game in the upcoming 2023 regular season, it seems safe to assume many fans would predict that the Michigan Wolverines would be the team to do it.

Yet, that isn't what Brad Crawford of 247Sports has happening in his recent Big 10 season predictions article. Crawford does have the Buckeyes winning the Big 10 East with an 11-1 record, with the Wolverines right behind them with the same record. So, who does 247Sports predict to beat Ohio State if it isn't Michigan?

Crawford predicts that with the Buckeyes' tough schedule in the leadup to The Game, their lone loss will come before then. 247Sports writes that with road trips scheduled in games against Notre Dame and Wisconsin, it could see the Buckeyes slip up.

Crawford has the Badgers beating the Buckeyes in a monumental win for head coach Luke Fickell, who will compete in his first season as the Wisconsin coach.

"This season's schedule is treacherous for the Buckeyes, which includes trips to Notre Dame and Wisconsin along with a home showdown with Penn State before the rivalry finale at the end of the year," 247Sports writes. "Can Ohio State manage to beat the Fighting Irish, Badgers and Nittany Lions before the anticipated tussle with its arch rival? We're guessing not."

No, it isn't the undefeated season that the Buckeye-faithful are hoping for. Still, at least Ohio State wouldn't endure seeing their losing streak versus the Wolverines reach three games. ... And if the season plays out how 247Sports predicts, then the Buckeyes will have their chance at revenge in the Big 10 championship game.

Crawford has Wisconsin winning the Big 10 West in their first year under Fickell with a 10-2 record, punching their ticket to Indianapolis for a rematch with Ohio State. After getting the better of the Buckeyes in the regular season, the Badgers would then fall to Ohio State in the conference championship game.

With the Big 10 title back in Columbus, the Buckeyes will surely have clinched their spot in the college football playoffs and are predicted to be joined by the 11-1 Michigan Wolverines.