Monday Musings for Week 6: Maryland

Ohio State did more than win at Kinnick. The Buckeyes answered their run-defense questions, watched Julian Sayin grow up on the road and saw Jeremiah Smith break two more school records. But four sacks, empty red-zone trips and Maryland’s explosive opening quarter at Nebraska give us plenty to watch on Homecoming Saturday.

Our new Buckeye50 Monday Musings breaks down what truly improved in the 31–14 win at Iowa—and what the final score still hides. Early prediction: Ohio State 42, Maryland 17.

Game Recap: Ohio State 31 – Iowa 14

Ohio State went back to Kinnick Stadium for the first time since 2017 — and made sure there would be no repeat of history.

The No. 5 Buckeyes controlled No. 14 Iowa in a 31-14 road win, outgaining the Hawkeyes 484-238 while Julian Sayin threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns and the defense answered last week’s concerns by allowing only 51 rushing yards.

Week 5 Predictions – 2026

Last Week:  Big Ten play started last week for the Buckeyes, and it was the same story as the week before.  OSU came away with a solid 42-19 victory over the

Game Preview: Ohio State vs Iowa

Ohio State’s first Big Ten road test brings a top-15 matchup, College GameDay and a return to Kinnick Stadium for the first time since 2017. Can Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith solve the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense—and can the Buckeyes fix the run-defense concerns Iowa is built to test? Our full Buckeye50 preview includes team breakdowns, injury updates, player spotlights, three keys, Jeremiah Smith’s record watch and a final score prediction.

Bold Predictions: Iowa

Ohio State has already experienced one hostile road environment this season. Saturday’s trip to Kinnick Stadium will present a completely different test.

Monday Musings for Week 5: Iowa

Jeremiah Smith delivered 217 yards, four touchdowns and another place in Ohio State history. Julian Sayin and the third-down offense took a major step forward, too. But after the Buckeyes allowed Illinois to gain 462 yards, are they ready for an undefeated Iowa team, a sold-out Kinnick Stadium and College GameDay? Our Monday Musings separates the progress from the warning signs before a top-15 Big Ten matchup. #GoBucks #Buckeye50

Game 4 Recap: Ohio State 42 – Illinois 19

Jeremiah Smith delivered another historic performance as No. 7 Ohio State opened Big Ten play with a 42-19 win over Illinois, finishing with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. The Buckeyes moved to 3-1 and kept the Illibuck in Columbus, but the final score did not tell the whole story. Illinois piled up 462 yards of offense, including 199 on the ground, raising some legitimate defensive questions as Ohio State prepares for a road test at Iowa.

Week 4 Predictions – 2026

Last Week:  Ohio State was able to rebound from their last minute loss to Texas by handling Kent State to the tune of 59-3.  Buckeye faithful will take the win but

Game Preview: Ohio State vs Illinois

The Buckeyes answered their first loss with a rout. Now the standard changes: No. 7 Ohio State must prove that its response can hold up against a Big Ten opponent capable of testing the exact areas that remain unresolved.

Bold Predictions: Illinois

Illinois arrives in Columbus with the same 2–1 record as Ohio State after defeating Southern Illinois 48–10. Quarterback Katin Houser passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns in the win, giving Matt Patricia’s secondary something legitimate to prepare for. The Fighting Illini are still substantial underdogs, but they represent a meaningful step up from Kent State and an opportunity for the Buckeyes to begin conference play by showing measurable improvement.