Week 15 Predictions – 2025
Last Week: Ohio State was able to do what they have not been able to do this decade, take care of business against the Wolverines. The 27-9 victory has not shut up the Michigan fans like I thought it might but I think it may just show they are still working to look for things to distract their reality that they are just not that good this year. As for last week for our Buckeye50 picks, Joe, Steven, Mike and I were 5-0, everyone else was 4-1 so we are all finishing the season strong as well. Andy still holding on to one game lead on Rick and two game lead on Steven and Vaughn. I would venture to say our 2025 champion will come from that group. Best of luck to everyone.
This Week’s Games: As someone said last week, every game from here on out is a ‘trophy’ game for the Buckeyes. They earned their Gold Pants last week, and now it is time to return the Big Ten Championship trophy to Columbus. Indiana is a great team, but do they have enough to secure their first conference championship since the Johnson administration? …. Georgia and Alabama square off for the SEC title. There has been so much hype this season about how deep the SEC is this year, did the two best teams make it to the championship game? …. BYU and Texas Tech will face-off in the Big 12 championship. Can the Cougars win and force tough decisions by the playoff committee? …. Virginia and Duke were preseason picked 10th and 12th by Phil Steele. Will the winner of this game even make the playoffs?
Buckeye Greats: As in the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun, and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the 11th straight year.
Let’s have some fun! Here we go with our Week 15 Picks and final picks of the 2025 season – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(2)Indiana vs (1)Ohio State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Buckeyes over the Hoosiers 28-14
Andy Steger: This is the most intriguing matchup of the weekend. We’ve seen Alabama and Georgia square off plenty of times, but Indiana has only recently become good under coach Curt Cignetti, not only that Indiana and Ohio State have not played each other yet this season. IU is top 5 in both scoring offense and scoring defense, they’re also top 5 in rush yards per game and in terms of least rush yards allowed per game. They’re one of the best coached teams in the country. On top of that they have Fernando Mendoza who is a dual threat quarterback who leads for the Heisman and his stats back it up. So where are the matchups on the field that are favorable for Ohio State? I really like the Ohio State front seven versus the Indiana offensive line, not because Indiana’s offensive line is bad, but the Ohio State front seven on defense is playing some of its best football right now. Edge Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry have become one of the nations best duo of edge rushers and nose tackle Kayden McDonald is the best in the country at his position. On top of that Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles are absolutely dominante. Ohio State will have to shut down the Hooisers rushing attack and get some type of pressure on Mendoza. He sometimes panics under pressure and with the talent of the Ohio State secondary that could be the difference in this game. This is a game where the margins will be very close. Ohio State wins a hard fought game. Ohio State 24 Indiana 17
Cory Steger: It’s still easy to dismiss Indiana as a good team but for those that have watched the Hoosiers this season, not only are they good but they’re even better than they were last season. Fernando Mendoza has been terrific at quarterback, but do not overlook Indiana’s running game. The Hoosiers use a three-headed monster of Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, and Khobie Martin, who have combined for 2,048 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. Also not to be overlooked is the Indiana defense, which only allowed one team to score more than 20 points this season. Yet, having watched how Ohio State handled themselves in The Game, and how Julian Sayin responded after a poor start in that game, it’s hard to pick against Ohio State right now. Ohio State 28, Indiana 24
Dave Culver: Ohio State 32 Indiana 10
Frank Berkopec: Ohio State 31-10
Gregg Watson: The Buckeyes have basically looked unbeatable this entire year, and as the dust settled on the regular season, they were one of two unbeaten teams. Perhaps we are seeing in Indy what will be the national championship game next month in Miami. The ticket prices for this game certainly look like National title game prices. With the victory over the Wolverines now in the rearview mirror, Ohio State needs to focus all attention on a great Indiana squad. Coach Cignetti has done a remarkable job with the Hoosiers these past two campaigns, compiling a 23-2 record with their two losses both being on the road to the two teams that played in the national title game last year. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they have done so well that there is NO chance Ohio State can look past them. Their hands will be full and their task will be great Saturday night. I am expecting Ohio State to open up the offense even more than they did in the Michigan game last week. They will be on a much faster track and a considerably warmer temperature. Sorry Brutus, no snow formations in the endzone this week. My bold prediction is that Sayin will use at least 8 different receivers in this game and spread it around so much that Indiana will have no chance of covering everyone. I just hope the offensive line can give him as much time as they did in Ann Arbor last week. That passing game (once it has secured the Heisman for our signal caller) will open it up for the Bo Jackson and the running game. Expect more of a ball control game where Indiana would prefer a high scoring affair. As Carmen Ohio is being sung in the endzone, expect a solid victory from the scarlet and gray. Ohio State 31 Indiana 17
Joe Hylton: Ohio State
John Seibert: It will be interesting to see if the Bucks can avoid a mental letdown after the events of the last week. Both beating UM and loosing Hartline to USF can be emotionally draining events. Similar to last week, on paper the Bucks are the better team. While this game is in Indy, Buckeye fans travel well and Indy ain’t Bloomington so expect a somewhat neutral crowd (which, historically, OSU would face in Bloomington too, but I digress) even if it does lean slightly toward IU. Like most playoff football, this the team that wins the turnover battle should win the game. IU has been good turning teams over this year. So long as Ohio State ends every offensive possession with a kick, I think they win the game. Ohio State 31 Indiana 17
Josh Watson: For the first time since 2020, Ohio State is back in the Big Ten Championship Game. For the first time ever, Indiana is here at all. On paper it’s a classic “blue blood vs upstart” matchup; in reality it’s a collision between the sport’s most complete team and one of the season’s best surprise stories. Ohio State rolls into Indianapolis at 12–0 with the No. 1 defense in the country and an offense that’s grown more efficient as the year’s gone on. Julian Sayin’s season speaks for itself: over 3,000 passing yards, a completion rate just under 80%, and a ridiculous 31–5 TD-to-INT ratio, distributing the ball to Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and tight end Max Klare as needed. The Buckeyes are top-five nationally in yards per attempt (9.4) and remain plenty capable on the ground with Bo Jackson and a backfield that’s cleared 1,800 rushing yards and 24 scores behind a line that’s allowed just six sacks all year. If Indiana is going to make this interesting, it’ll be through the air. Fernando Mendoza has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country in 2025, throwing for 2,758 yards and 32 touchdowns with just five interceptions while completing over 65% of his passes. The Hoosiers built their unbeaten run on a balanced attack and timely explosives, spreading the ball around and staying on schedule. They’ve been good on third down and in the red zone all season, and that’s how they’ve hung with and outlasted more talented rosters. The problem: everything Indiana does well offensively runs head-first into Ohio State’s strength. Matt Patricia’s defense hasn’t allowed anyone to hit 300 yards of total offense all year, and has kept every opponent under 17 points. The pass rush (Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Tywone Malone Jr.) has been disruptive without needing constant blitzes, and the back seven led by Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs closes space in a hurry. The Hoosiers haven’t seen a secondary that matches up man-to-man like this, nor a defense that disguises as much on the back end. Where this feels like it tilts decisively Scarlet and Gray is situationally: Ohio State has been excellent on third down and in the red zone on both sides of the ball, while Indiana hasn’t had to solve many elite defenses on the way to 12–0. If the Buckeyes get out early, force Mendoza into predictable passing downs, and protect the football, their depth and defensive ceiling should take over. This has all the makings of a “close for a half, methodical separation in the third quarter” kind of title game. Ohio State 31, Indiana 17
Mike Vandevelde: Indiana
Steven Smith: Indiana has the second best run defense in the nation and they are 14th against the pass. Oddly enough, the Hoosiers worst defensive game came in the first game of the year against Old Dominion where they gave up 218 on 23 attempts. Since then, they have not allowed a hundred yards rushing except for on the road at Penn State where they gave up 117. I like freshman running back Bo Jackson to clear the hundred-yard mark again this week, mostly in the second half. It will be interesting if this turn into a track meet, but I think both coaches understand there’s bigger fish to fry, and so it may end up being a bit of a conservative game plan from both sides. In the end, Ohio State is a much more complete team than the Hoosiers. When your defense sweeps the individual defensive awards to go along with Jeremiah Smith’s receiver of the year award, you’re a complete team. The only thing that will prevent OSU from stomping Indiana is because they don’t have to. Bucks 31-17
Stefan Armintrout: I think the Hoosiers will be the best team the Buckeyes will face so far. I expect some points being scored on both teams. But when it’s all said and done, the Buckeyes will walk out of Lucas Oil Stadium as Big Ten Champs. They are just more talented than what Indiana has on their roster. Bucks win a hard-fought battle. (Ohio State, 38-28)
Final Score: Indiana 13 Ohio State 10
(9)Alabama vs (3)Georgia
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Georgia over Alabama 27-21
Andy: We saw this game earlier in the season. Alabama went into Athens Georgia and beat the Bulldogs 24-21 at the end of September. Alabama has struggled lately, they lost to Oklahoma at home, and their star quarterback Ty Simpson went from being a Heisman front runner to out of the conversation because of his poor play in a few games. Georgia on the other hand is ascending, playing their best football and their quarterback Gunner Stockton has settled in after a slow start to the season. There is a matchup to watch here, while Georgia’s pass defense has not been bad, it hasn’t been great either. They’re currently 44th in the country at pass yards allowed per game, giving up on average 204 pass yards per game. They’ve only allowed 11 pass touchdowns this entire season, but between the 20s they’re giving up yards. I expect Ty Simpson will be able to generate yards and get Alabama down to the red zone, but will struggle once there as Alabama’s rush offense is terrible this season. The Tide are 102nd in the country in rush yards per game, only getting 3.7 yards per carry on average and just 126 yards per game on the ground average. I think despite Alabama winning earlier in the season, Georgia is playing better football right now, they’re more balanced on offense and their defense is playing better the second half of the season. I like Georgia in a close game. Georgia 27 Alabama 20
Cory: I’ve been saying it for a while now, but there may be no team that’s as battle-tested as Georgia this season. The Bulldogs have found themselves in a lot of close games and constantly have been able to overcome obstacles to win those games. The one problem, and it’s a big one, is that Georgia seems completely unable to beat Alabama. The Crimson Tide have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between these two teams. That one win for Georgia? It was the National Championship game in 2022. I don’t love how one-dimensional Alabama is and I don’t love their performance in the Iron Bowl, but until Georgia proves otherwise this game is Bama’s to take. Alabama 30, Georgia 28
Dave: Georgia 24 Alabama 21
Frank: Georgia 31-30
Gregg: OK, after a season long hype of how great (and deep) the SEC is this year, it once again comes down to Alabama and Georgia. I am still not sure how Alabama got into the game. There were three 11-1 teams and Alabama is sitting there at 10-2 with a loss to Florida State(5-7). They could not figure a way to get Ole Miss or A&M into this. This is a repeat game as the Tide provided the one loss to the Georgia slate this season. Can they do it again? I am also not sure why GameDay would pick this location, unless they just want a 3 hour show to promote that both these teams get in no matter who wins. Although the Bulldogs looked bad an a couple of games, should have lost to Auburn and Florida, for some reason I do think they find a way to win this one. Auburn but a ton of pressure on Ty Simpson last week, and the Dawgs will put even more on him and that will likely be the difference. If Georgia gets a lead and ‘Bama is forced to pass, expect him to get sacked at least 5 teams and say goodbye to any Heisman hopes he still has. Dawgs advance and get a first round bye in the playoffs. The Tide should be watching from home for the second straight year. Georgia 27 Alabama 20
Joe-S-U: Georgia
John: I guess I’m just not sold on Alabama. Yes, they turned around their season to get to 10-2 and Atlanta and yes, the beat Georgia earlier in the year (in Birmingham). Similar to Indiana playing in Indianapolis, the “neutral” field in Atlanta may end up feeling more like a home game for the Dawgs. Plus, it’s hard to beat a team twice in the same season, especially when the win came at home and the rematch is neutral field/away game. I think Georgia gets the W. If this happens it will be entertaining watching the so-called experts on ES(ec)PN try to talk a 3 loss Alabama into the CFP. Georgia 37 Alabama 23
Josh: The sport’s most familiar heavyweight matchup heads back to Atlanta with a slightly different flavor. This time, Georgia arrives looking like the more complete team wire-to-wire, while Alabama is trying to punch its way back into the playoff after a couple of stumbles. Georgia enters the SEC Championship at 11–1, having smothered most of its schedule and closing the regular season with a businesslike win over Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Kirby Smart’s defense is once again the backbone: the Bulldogs have held opponents under 20 points per game on average, are among the national leaders in yards per play allowed, and just held Georgia Tech to 69 rushing yards on 29 carries and 2.4 yards per play overall. Offensively, they’re balanced — not quite the explosive 2021 unit, but efficient in the passing game and physical on the ground, with a line that’s quietly been one of the best in the SEC in sack rate. Alabama, at 10–2 and 7–1 in SEC play, has been more volatile but no less dangerous. The Crimson Tide average 37.5 points per game and over 430 yards of offense, ranking in the top 20 nationally in both scoring and total offense, while the defense has been top-20 in scoring and top-30 in yardage allowed. They’re still winning in familiar ways: disruptive front seven play, a vertical passing game built on play-action, and special teams that can tilt field position in an instant. The hinge point here feels like third down and red zone execution. Georgia has been excellent at forcing long-yardage situations and getting off the field, and Bama’s two losses came when their offense stalled in the high-leverage downs and distances. Conversely, Georgia’s offense has occasionally bogged down in the red area against better defenses, settling for field goals instead of putting games away early. If Alabama can turn this into a red-zone rock fight and hit a couple of shot plays over the top, the Tide absolutely have a path. But over four quarters, Georgia’s consistency might be the deciding factor. They’ve been a little more disciplined, a little less turnover-prone, and a bit better at preventing explosive plays on defense. In a game that likely swings on one or two mistakes, the Bulldogs’ margin for error feels just a bit wider. Georgia 27, Alabama 24
Mike: Alabama
Steven: What will it take to keep Alabama on the playoff sidelines for a second year in a row? Probably an act of God. Even if Tide loses, unless that loss is by 3+ touchdowns, the committee will not punish them for making but losing in the SEC title game. So, if a loss doesn’t count against Alabama, and neither a win nor a loss will appreciably affect Georgia’s seeding, why are we playing this game? Georgia wins a snoozer 21-14.
Trout: I’d like to see Alabama lose and get their third loss, but I don’t see that happening. Alabama just has the Bulldogs number under Kirby Smart. I can see it being pretty close, but Stockton turns the ball over late and gives Alabama the go-ahead score. (Alabama, 24-19)
Final Score: Georgia 28 Alabama 7
(11)BYU vs (4)Texas Tech
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Texas Tech over BYU 31-20
Andy: We saw this matchup a few weeks ago when Texas Tech traveled to Utah and absolutely manhandled the Cougars at BYU. Texas Tech is an impressive football team that will match up well against most teams in the country. Texas Tech is the 3rd best scoring defense in the country only behind IU and Ohio State, allowing just an average of 11.25 points scored per game and their rush defense is ranked first in the country only allowing an average of 69 rush yards per game and only allowing 5 rushing touchdowns all season. Why am I so focused on the run defense and scoring defense for Texas Tech? Because BYU is a run dominant offense with their option style quarterback play. BYU has run the football 477 times this season compared to throwing the football just 335 times. Not only that but their offense has scored 44 total touchdowns this season, 30 of those have been by way of running the football. BYUs path to victory the entire season has been grind out wins with their run game. I think they will once again struggle to do that against this salty Red Raider front seven. Texas Tech 24 BYU 10
Cory: The Big 12 Championship is a rematch of a regular season game that was, well, not much of a game. Texas Tech dominated BYU 29-7, limiting the Cougars to just 255 total yards and 3-for-14 on third downs. Honestly, I can’t see the rematch going any other way. Texas Tech has been dominating teams since their loss to Arizona State, and they feature one of the best defensive lines in the country. BYU is a good team but they were given an easy schedule and made the most out of it. Texas Tech is a better, and more complete team. Texas Tech 28, BYU 10
Dave: Texas Tech 28 BYU 14
Frank: Texas Tech 28-10
Gregg: This is the second of our repeat matchups in our championship game weekend. Texas Tech has a victory already this season over the Cougars, giving BYU their only blemish. The question will be if they can learn from that. Tech has been playing well all year and hardly noticed, they get noticed this week with a solid win for the Big 12 title and a first round bye in the playoffs. Texas Tach 28 BYU 24
Joe-S-U: Texas Tech
John: I think that should BYU win, both teams make the CFP. In that case, Notre Dame is probably out (sob). I like anarchy (so long as it doesn’t impact Ohio State) and I dislike ND, so go Cougs. BYU 35 Texas Tech 31
Josh: This one has “pure Big 12 energy” written all over it: a high-flying Texas Tech offense against a BYU team that’s spent the back half of the year slugging its way through a nasty schedule. Texas Tech comes in as a legitimate top-10 team, having ripped through the Big 12 on the back of a wide-open passing game and an underrated run scheme that punishes light boxes. In one of the late-season showcases, the Red Raiders handled BYU 29–7 in Provo behind a defense that forced turnovers and an offense that stayed on schedule and leaned on its ground game when needed. That performance wasn’t a one-off — Tech has been consistently efficient in early downs, top-25 nationally in passing efficiency, and one of the best red-zone offenses in the conference. BYU’s path to a rematch has been more winding. The Cougars knocked off TCU, Cincinnati and UCF down the stretch, leaning on a physical run game and a defense that, while not suffocating, has been opportunistic and good at bowing up inside the 20. They’re not as explosive as Tech, but they’re balanced enough to punish soft boxes and they’ve been at their best when they can shorten the game and drag opponents into a fourth-quarter brawl. The concern for BYU is whether they can score quickly enough if this turns into a track meet. Texas Tech has consistently pushed tempo, spreads the ball to a deep receiver room, and has shown a willingness to go for it in plus territory — all things that stress a defense that doesn’t have elite depth. If Tech protects the football and stays ahead of the chains, their offensive ceiling is simply higher. BYU can absolutely hang around if they win on the ground and steal a possession or two with turnovers or special teams. But over 60 minutes on a fast track, it’s hard to pick against the more explosive attack in a game that likely demands 30+ points to win. Texas Tech 38, BYU 31
Mike: Texas Tech
Steven: Here’s where things get interesting. The BYU Cougars have everything on the line in this one. Win and you’re in. Emotion will need to carry the day as the Red Raiders are a better team on both sides of the ball. The Raiders are 3rd in scoring and 4th in total offense. In baseball speak, they’re knocking the cover off the ball. BYU’s defense will be hard pressed to match up. When these teams met last month in Provo, Texas Tech beat the Cougars 29-7. Saturday may be a bit closer, but I expect it will be the same outcome. Texas Tech saves the committee from having to make tough decisions. Red Raiders 24-19
Trout: The Red Raiders should win this game. They’ve been the best team in the Big 12. I can see the Cougars putting up a fight for a little while but eventually falling behind Texas Tech and unable to catch up. (Texas Tech, 27-14)
Final Score: Texas Tech 34 BYU 7
Duke vs (17)Virginia
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Virginia over Duke 24-20
Andy: Duke is a pass first team on offense, they’re currently ranked as the 11th best pass offense in the country averaging nearly 290 pass yards per game, completing on average 12 yards per completion and racking up 28 passing touchdowns. Conversely they’re the 95th worst rushing offense in the country getting just 123 yards on the ground per game, but they do boast an impressive 23 rushing touchdowns. Virginia is pretty even on offense coming in at the 44th best pass offense with 244 yards per game and 16 passing touchdowns and having the 34th best rush offense in the country averaging 188 yards per game while scoring 28 total rushing touchdowns. Duke’s strength is their passing offense, and Virginia’s pass defense is 43rd in the country allowing an average of 203 yards per game and giving up just 13 passing touchdowns on the season. With the margins in this game being so close it is hard to predict a winner. Virginia’s red zone offense is ranked 82nd in the country and Duke’s red zone defense is ranked 129th in the country. I think Virginia will be able to make it into the red zone and Duke will struggle to get stops. I honestly don’t know how to call this game, but Virginia has played really well this season and they’re a more balanced team from a stats perspective than Duke is. Virginia 34 Duke 27
Cory: Thanks to Pitt and SMU losing, Duke finds itself in the ACC Championship game thanks to a tiebreaker. That tiebreaker? It is having a higher conference opponent winning percentage over Miami, SMU, Pitt, and Georgia Tech. Yes, the Blue Devils got in on a technicality, and if they win this game it’s likely there will be no ACC representative in the College Football Playoff. Well, Duke and Virginia met once already this season, and in that game the Cavaliers doubled Duke’s offensive output (540-244) en route to a 34-17 win. I don’t see much changing this week. Virgina 31, Duke 14
Dave: Virginia 21 Duke 14
Frank: Virginia 35-21
Gregg: Can this be real? in the era of NIL and a 12-team playoff, can we REALLY have a 7-5 team playing for a conference championship? As much as I would like to see Duke win and force the committee to really sweat over their selections, we don’t need a 5-loss team in the playoffs. Go Cavaliers! Virginia 35 Duke 21
Joe-S-U: Virgina
John: It’s a good thing for the ACC that the CFP is forced to take winner of this one, otherwise the ACC probably gets shut out of the CFP regardless of who wins. Virginia 24 Duke 21
Josh: The ACC title game has a fresh feel this year, with Virginia’s breakout season colliding with a Duke team that refused to fade despite an up-and-down fall. It’s not the matchup anyone circled in August, but it’s a fascinating clash of identities. Virginia’s story is one of steady build and a timely leap. The Cavaliers enter championship weekend at 10–2 and 6–1 in ACC play, having cobbled together one of the conference’s most efficient offenses and a defense that’s been good enough in the right spots. They’ve been particularly dangerous through the air, leaning on an improved passing game that can threaten all three levels and a run game that’s efficient, if not spectacular. More importantly, they’ve been excellent in close games, winning multiple one-score contests that turned on fourth-quarter execution. Duke’s route to Charlotte has been choppier. The Blue Devils sit in the middle of the ACC in most offensive metrics but have squeezed every drop out of a scrappy defense that kept them in games even when the offense sputtered early. A late-season surge on that side of the ball — better protection, more defined roles for their playmakers — has pushed them into the title game. They’re not as explosive as Virginia, but they protect the ball and rarely beat themselves. This feels like a game that will hinge on whether Duke’s defense can muddy the picture enough for Virginia’s offense. The Cavaliers have thrived when they dictate tempo and hit explosive plays off a balanced script; they’ve looked far more ordinary when forced into long third downs and obvious passing situations. If Duke can win on early downs, they can hang around deep into the fourth quarter. Still, Virginia has the higher offensive ceiling and has been the more consistent team week-to-week. In a neutral-site environment, with both teams having time to prepare, that tends to matter. Expect Duke to land a few punches, but Virginia’s ability to finish drives with touchdowns rather than field goals should ultimately separate them. Virginia 30, Duke 23
Mike: Virginia
Steven: If all things were based purely on merit, the ACC would be shut out of this year’s playoff picture. Giving one of these teams a playoff shot is a bit embarrassing. That, and the fact that arguably the best team in the ACC, Miami, and the best team adjacent to the ACC in Notre probably will both be shut out is strange to say the least. Who you lose to and when matters. Virgina should win this going away. Duke is a 5-loss team. If they win, chaos ensues. I’m not sure we all wouldn’t enjoy a little chaos, but a 5-loss team making the playoffs might be stretching my definition of enjoyment. Let’s go Cavs. Virginia 34-15
Trout: I’d love to see the chaos occur in the CFP of the Duke Blue Devils win this game, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Although no one would confuse Virginia with an actual playoff caliber team, they’re still the better team in this match up. It’ll be a close, sloppy game, but the Cavaliers pull it off. (Virginia, 17-13)