It’s all on the line in Columbus on Saturday when the Ohio State Buckeyes host the Oregon Ducks. 

Ohio State is very much playing for its chances in the College Football Playoff with two losses after falling to USC last weekend. Oregon already has three losses, but they’ve been playing better as of late. 

Ahead of the key Big Ten battle in Week 10, the college football staff has predictions on how Ohio State vs. Oregon is going to shake out. 

Ohio State 27, Oregon 20 

The Buckeyes losing in Week 9 to USC stung so bad because it wasn’t Julian Sayin’s absence and starting a true freshman that did it. Luke Fahey played well enough to win that game and the rest of the team was a letdown for the most part. Ryan Day said everyone had to step up a little bit with a true freshman playing, but the opposite happened, with regression taking place. 

Flash forward a week and Ohio State’s defense needs to get back on track against an Oregon team that’s going to rely on its playmakers through the air. Dylan Raiola is going to get the ball to Dakorien Moore and tight end Jamari Johnson. Ohio State can’t allow explosives as they did against USC, or it’ll be another upset. I think Ohio State is going to respond at home in a way where they control this one the majority of the way, and fans feel a bit more at ease. — Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Ohio State 27, Oregon 17 

I’m taking Ohio State to defeat Oregon 27-17 in a matchup that has lost some of its luster, especially with both teams turning to backup quarterbacks. Still, I think the Buckeyes have a significant advantage defensively and will make life difficult for Oregon throughout the afternoon. Ohio State should be able to generate pressure, force some uncomfortable decisions and come up with several big plays that swing momentum. On the other side, freshman quarterback Luke Fahey shows some encouraging signs of growth. He won’t be spectacular, but I expect him to look more comfortable and give Buckeye fans some reasons for optimism moving forward.

Dylan Raiola will have his moments, making a few impressive throws and creating some explosive plays to keep Oregon within striking distance. However, the Ducks won’t be able to find enough consistency offensively to keep pace. Ohio State’s defense ultimately makes the difference, coming up with timely stops when Oregon needs answers most. Fahey does enough to help the Buckeyes put points on the board, and Ohio State controls the closing stages to secure a relatively comfortable win.— Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Ohio State 17, Oregon 16

Simply put, Ohio State is a much better team, but they aren’t nearly good enough as of yet without Julian Sayin. The Ducks aren’t doing much better, either, especially with Dante Moore not playing. The Ducks are reeling on multiple fronts, and Dan Lanning has many quesitoning his job performance. That will continue, as the Buckeyes find a way to win a dogfight. — Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida 

Ohio State 20, Oregon 16

This is a very tough game to get a handle on, as both teams are riding with backup quarterbacks.  Dylan Raiola bounced back last weekend against Northwestern looking more like the QB that helped the Ducks beat USC in Los Angeles.  Speaking of LA, the Buckeyes struggled with Luke Fahey under center in a 30-18 loss to the Trojans.  Jeremiah Smith did manage to log 10 catches, but he turned them into 83 yards and a touchdown, a relatively pedestrian total for him. 

This is a game that’s an ugly offensive slog for much of the afternoon.  Despite winning 34-26, the Ducks struggled against the run last week against the Wildcats, allowing 175 yards.  Two weeks ago, Illinois went for 225 against Dan Lanning’s team.  The Buckeyes ran the ball well last week against USC with 204 rushing yards.  

The passing games don’t work well for either team, but you can stamp US Mail on Bo Jackson and the OSU ground game on Saturday, which does just enough to eek out a close win. — Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami 

Ohio State 25, Oregon 15

This game is the season for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After losing quarterback Julian Sayin, a lot of people expected a big drop-off in Luke Fahey, but he was the last of the Buckeyes’ problems last week against USC. The problem for Oregon is, they have been one of the biggest disappointments in the sport. 

Even before the season-ending injury to Dante Moore, the team was getting whooped in the trenches, and the coordinator changes fell flat. Now there are more questions than answers at quarterback, and they have to travel to Columbus to take on a Buckeyes team with their backs against the wall. That’s a recipe for disaster for the Ducks in my opinion. The Buckeyes figure it out and start their win streak on Saturday. — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Ohio State 24, Oregon 17

I think Ohio State can still find a way to win this one, even with the situation they’re currently in. They still have the best player in college football, maybe one of the best in Jeremiah Smith. They have to find a way to get the offense moving effectively and efficiently. The defense will handle the issues that Oregon creates for itself on offense. — Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma