Ohio State Non-Conference Schedule Not As Strong But Provides Test

The non conference schedule doesn’t have a TCU or Oklahoma on it like past years. But, a game against Cincinnati could be anything but easy.

Last season TCU was the marquee out of conference game for the Buckeyes, this year will be a bit different.

Ohio State will welcome in Florida Atlantic, Cincinnati, and Miami of Ohio to fill out the non-conference schedule. What should we make of this non-conference schedule? Let’s dive into each opponent and see what the Buckeyes should expect early on this season.

In week one Ohio State will welcome Lane Kiffin and his FAU Owls into the Horseshoe. Last season FAU had a letdown season finishing 5-7 and failing to make a bowl game. The Owls rank 96th in the country in returning production, so to think Lane Kiffins bunch has a chance at an upset is unlikely.

However, Lane Kiffin has had a top 50 offense his first two seasons and he does return starting quarterback Chris Robison who started last season as a true freshmen, who completed 63% of his passes.

Week two will be an interesting week for the Buckeyes. They welcome home former interim head coach and defensive coordinator Luke Fickell. Cincinnati had an incredibly successful 2018 season going 11-2 and winning their bowl game. If there is a team out of conference that is capable of upsetting Ohio State, Cincinnati is the obvious choice.

The Bearcats return their starting QB from last season in Desmond Ridder, who threw for 20 TDs and 5 INT last season. The Bearcats also return leading rusher from last season Michael Warren Jr. who rushed for 1,329 yards and 19 TDs last season. Luke Fickell’s team will be inspired when they come to Columbus in week two and if Ohio State does not come prepared, they could be on upset alert. The Bearcats also return 71% of their production on the defensive side of the ball again.

Ohio State’s final non-conference game is in week 4 against Miami of Ohio (Ohio State travels to Indiana in week 3). The Red hawks are 95th in the nation in returning production, and coming off of a 6-6 season, so don’t expect them to challenge the Buckeyes much at all.

This non-conference slate for Ohio State is weaker than year’s past, however, Cincinnati could provide a tough game. With that being said, expect the Justin Fields/ Ryan Day era to get off to a nice start in the 2019-2020 season for the Buckeyes. Ohio State opens up their season on Fox at noon against Lane Kiffin’s FAU Owls.