FAU at Ohio State 8/31/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The FAU Owls are set to visit Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio for a Week 1 clash against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The FAU Owls are looking to rebound after going 5-7 during the 2018 season, but they will need to replace some key pieces on the offensive side of the ball. QB Chris Robison returns to the Owls after contributing 2540 passing yards, 12 TDs, and 12 interceptions which will need to improve this season. FAU will be without their leading rusher from a season ago as Devin Singletary moved onto the NFL after pitching in 1348 rushing yards and 22 TDs.

The FAU Owls will need to be improved on the defensive side of the ball if they want to be bowl eligible as they finished the 2018 season ranked 93rd in points allowed. The Owls will return star LB Rashad Smith who was responsible for 85 tackles and 4 interceptions a season ago which were both team-highs. FAU will need a much stronger pass rush this season as their sack leader only contributed 5 sacks during the 2018 campaign. The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to continue their success from the 2018 season as they went 13-1 with a victory in the Rose Bowl, but they will need to replace a ton of offensive talent. QB Dwayne Haskins was one of the top picks in the NFL draft after throwing for 4831 yards and 50 TDs, but they will replace him with former Georgia QB Justin Fields. J.K. Dobbins will lead the ground attack after contributing 1053 rushing yards and 10 TDs last season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will need to be much better on the defensive side of the ball if they want to see similar results this season as they finished 2018 ranked 52nd in points allowed. The Buckeyes return their leading tackler from a season ago in Jordan Fuller as he contributed 81 tackles from the secondary. The pass rush should also be very strong for Ohio State as Chase Young is looking to expand off his 2018 campaign where he pitched in 9.5 sacks.