Ranking Big Ten Opening Week Games-ELITE Tier

3. OHIO STATE @ VIRGINIA TECH (Sept. 7, 7 p.m. CT) ESPN

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The rematch of last year where Virginia Tech shocked the world which almost led to Ohio State almost not making the College Football Playoffs and not making a run to a national championship.

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A lot has changed since then. Ohio State has drastically improved from then and head into this season as favorites to repeat as national champions. Any other team that would head into the post season with their third-string quarterback starting would be doomed. But not the Buckeyes. And not Urban Meyer. Ohio State steamrolled Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game on their way to defeating Alabama before running over Oregon. Between J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones and Braxton Miller, who starts? Right now it’s anyones game and not a bad problem for Meyer to have. Running back Ezekiel Elliot returns after a superb sophomore campaign. The defense is led by Joey Bosa, arguably the best defensive player in the country and one of the leading factors as to why the Buckeyes could repeat as national champions this year.

So it would seem as if the Hokies don’t stand a chance is this game, right? Not so fast. Virginia Tech is even more experienced this than they were when they beat Ohio State a year ago. The Hokies’ defense is one of the better groups out there in college football right now. They have a top five defensive line and secondary, and will look to repeat keeping the pressure on whoever is under center for the Buckeyes. Cornerback Kendall Fuller is a shut down corner that will give Meyer’s offense fits. It’s all up to the offense to see if they can put up points against a stout Buckeyes defense. Quarterback Michael Brewer will have to improve on his numbers a year ago, although another year with this system under his belt should help that. The running backs need to stay healthy and play well this year for this offense to succeed.

If Virginia Tech plays up to their potential and their defense keeps the pressure on the Ohio State starting quarterback, the Hokies have a shot. Their defense will keep them in it, but it’s their offense that will have to play a perfect game. I think Ohio State wins this, but this could end up being a much closer game than most will think.

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