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Ohio State opens as the No. 1 team with two new coaches and 51 new players, making the Ball State game an evaluation point before the trip to Texas.
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The Bucknuts staff expects Arthur Smith to produce a top-tier Ohio State offense built around Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, a better offensive line, a stronger run game, and improved red-zone and short-yardage efficiency.
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Ohio State's defense is expected to regress from last year's No. 1 unit after major NFL losses, but most staffers still project a top-10 to top-20 group under Matt Patricia with early personnel packaging.
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The staff wants to see a clean operation, sustained drives, touchdowns, third-down stops, competent special teams, and health before Ohio State travels to Texas.
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The consensus prediction is Ohio State 49, Ball State 5, with several staffers expecting extensive backup usage and at least 50 players seeing the field.