The Scarlet and Gray have certainly had several golden eras, and there is little doubt Ohio State football is in one now.

Going back to 2012, the Buckeyes have won 106 of 117 games, good for a 90.6 winning percentage. Only Alabama (91.3%) is higher among Football Bowl Subdivision schools. Wisconsin (72.4%) and Penn State (67%) are the only other two Big Ten programs with top 20 winning percentages during that span, coming in at ninth and 18th, respectively.

Ohio State’s resume over those last nine seasons is sparkling: 

  • 106-11 overall record
  • 74-5 record in Big Ten games (including championship games)
  • 9 division titles (outright or shared)
  • 6 Big Ten Championship Game appearances (2013-14, 2017-20)
  • 5 Big Ten Championships (2014, 2017-20)
  • 4 College Football Playoff Appearances (2014, 2016, 2019-20)
  • 1 National Championship (2014)

While OSU has had plenty of answers recently, it begins the 2021 season Thursday night in Minnesota with a lot of questions, albeit relative questions. The Buckeyes are expected to defend their Big Ten title once again, and reach the playoffs for a third straight season.

Is C.J. Stroud ready to be the starting quarterback?

It’s always unnerving to break in a new starter under center, but that is only magnified when you’re replacing Justin Fields. Ohio State has arguably never had this talented of a group of quarterbacks, but as talented as they are, all four are freshmen (two of which have redshirted, including Stroud) who have never thrown a pass in a college game yet.

How will the carries at running back be distributed?

While Trey Sermon is off to the NFL, Master Teague III returns. The senior started the first six games last year, and has over 1,400 career rushing yards. There are two extremely talented freshmen in TreVeyon Henderson and Evan Pryor. However, it’s Cincinnati native Miyan Williams that could get the start. It will bear watching how many running plays there are, how the carries are divided, and most importantly, who takes advantage of the opportunity.

Can Minnesota keep up with Ohio State’s receivers?

The Buckeyes might have the best group of wide receivers in the country, and are expected to rotate through six of them Thursday night. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert is another target that will play at the next level. If OSU’s line gives Stroud time to throw, he’ll have plenty of weapons to look for.

How improved will Ohio State’s defense be?

The Buckeyes surrendered 25.8 points per game in 2020, and 304 yards passing per contest, both highest marks in school history. With just an eight-game sample size last year, sporadic practices due to the pandemic, and injuries, was this an anomaly, or a sign of a larger problem?

Who will step up to replace the top four linebackers from 2020?

Gone are Pete Werner, Tuff Borland, Baron Browning and Justin Hilliard who combined for 189 games played, and 80 starts. That makes improving the defense feel all the more daunting. There are plenty of talented players ready to take their turn, but they lack significant game experience.

Is Sevyn Banks the latest member of “DBU”?

Bradley Roby, Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley, Denzel Ward, Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette comprise seven Ohio State cornerbacks selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2014. That has helped earn OSU the nickname of “Defensive Back University”. The Buckeyes struggled with pass defense for most of 2020, and having the latest lock-down corner would go a long way toward rectifying that.

How will Ohio State handle the “Mo?”

This is a two-part question. Actually, it’s the same question, but two different topics. Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim isn’t just one of the best backs in the Big Ten, he’s one of the best players in the country. Ibrahim went over 1,000 yards rushing last season in just seven games, and averages 5.5 yards per carry for his career. The Gophers will likely try to slow down the Buckeyes by controlling the clock, and moving the chains with its run game. Key in too much, though, and veteran quarterback Tanner Morgan could make some plays in the passing game. Also critical will be the play of Ohio State’s linebackers. If they get too aggressive, or blow assignments, Ibrahim will make them pay.

Again, how will Ohio State handle the “Mo?”

This time we are talking about momentum. It’s always a huge factor in college football, especially when you are on the road. If Ohio State can take the crowd (something no one has played in front of for over a year) out of it early, that can settle down a young team. How the Buckeyes handle adversity will also be a good test.

Which true freshman will flash early?

It’s always one of the most exciting parts of a new season; seeing new players make names for themselves. Who could forget the debuts of Maurice Clarett in 2002 or J.K. Dobbins in 2017? This is one of Ohio State’s most talented freshman classes ever. Keep an eye out for TreVeyon Henderson (RB), Jack Sawyer (DE), Marvin Harrison, Jr. (WR), Emeka Egbuka (WR) and Donovan Jackson (OL).

What are some interesting facts that actually have nothing to do with the game?

What are some interesting facts that actually have nothing to do with the game? – It’s not all that often that Ohio State visits Minnesota. It’s the first meeting in Minneapolis since 2014, and only the third all-time at Huntington Bank Stadium (opened in 2009). In 27 total games at Minnesota, OSU is 22-5, with the most recent loss in 1981. The Buckeyes have dominated the series, winning 46 of 53. The last Gopher win was in 2000. In fact, Minnesota has only won twice in the last 41 meetings, dating back to 1969.

Spectrum News 1 will be in Minneapolis with coverage before and after the game by Tino Bovenzi. As soon as it ends, tune in to Spectrum News 1 for “The Postgame Show” hosted by Andy Baskin, and featuring analysis from former Ohio State defensive back Chimdi Chekwa. They’ll break down the game and bring you Ryan Day’s news conference live.