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The Ohio State Buckeyes are going to remain a top contender this fall, but it certainly doesn't mean their path to the College Football Playoff is any easier than in previous seasons.
In fact, it might be more challenging. Games against the Texas Longhorns, Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines await the Buckeyes.
But, according to Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt, only one game truly matters: the Buckeyes' Oct. 17 matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers.
"This is likely the biggest game from a meaningful perspective toward the conference championship," Klatt said. "That one is going to be a monster game."
There are a few other games involving the Buckeyes, including a potential swing game against the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks also play the USC Trojans in a potential elimination game early in the season, too.
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"You've got to kind of be the best out West if you're going to compete for and win a Big Ten title," Klatt said on "The Joel Klatt Show." "We're going to know which team we need to pay attention to from the West on September 26th when Oregon goes to USC and faces Lincoln Riley and the Trojans."
It may be too early to tell where Ohio State is at, but coach Ryan Day recently spoke about the future.
“We feel like we have the best quarterback coming back in college football next year,” Day said of quarterback Julian Sayin. “One of the youngest guys to get to New York City, I think, in a while. Most of the guys who've been going there are older guys. So we’re all excited about this year for him and taking the next step, even as a leader, and all the different things. But obviously a great first year for him.”
There is still much to be decided before the season starts, but the Buckeyes could be set up for success.
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The first huge test is the Longhorns matchup in September, where Sayin's Heisman revenge tour will officially begin.
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