This Saturday features one of the most loaded college football slates we’ve seen in some time.
No. 2 Ohio State against No. 3 Oregon is the game of the day, kicking off in primetime from Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The Buckeyes and Ducks are playing for only the fourth time ever, and this time, they’re doing so as members of the same conference. It’s possible this matchup is a preview of the Big Ten Championship Game, and it will certainly have long-term College Football Playoff implications.
During an appearance on “The Tim May Show” Thursday, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum gave his prediction Saturday night. He’s picking the Buckeyes on the road.
“It’s great to see Ohio State on a big stage. It is the biggest game in the country,” Finebaum said, via On3. “I’m going to end the suspense. I like the Buckeyes. I think they are, particularly, a great team. They’ve had six weeks to prepare for this one game so why wouldn’t they be ready?”
Ohio State is 5-0 to start the season, winning all in blowout fashion. Their 28-point win over Iowa last week marks their lowest margin of victory of the season so far.
They will face a definite step up in competition this week, battling an Oregon team in one of the toughest places to play in college football.
“I mean I’m fascinated by all the talent on Ohio State’s football team,” said Finebaum. “I want to see it in a really impressive live setting, which that is, against what I think is a good team. Oregon has been hard to figure out. That’s what this game is about.”
Ohio State-Oregon will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. It marks the first top five matchup on the network in 31 years.
Related: Oregon vs. Ohio State Is Set To Make 30-Year History On NBC