Buckeyes projected to play for a national title

The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for another run at the national championship after falling to the eventual champions in the semifinal a season ago.

There is no C.J. Stroud, but the team is turning to former five-star signee Kyle McCord. He played minimally in 2022, but there is no shortage of talent surrounding the new starter. Marvin Harrison Jr, Emeka Egbuka, Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson should lighten the load for McCord this season. But just how far could this team go?

According to Brad Crawford of 247Sports, Buckeyes fans will be very pleased with how he foresees the 2023 campaign playing out.

McCord is preparing for his first year as a starter but could he do something C.J. Stroud failed to do? If the prediction holds true, he will lead Ohio State to a national championship game after defeating a team led by another former Buckeyes backup quarterback.

Rose Bowl, College Football Playoffs Semifinal vs Texas

What Crawford Says…

With a win at Alabama in Week 2, early season College Football Playoff buzz will center on Texas. Will the Longhorns handle the pressure if they take out the Crimson Tide? That’s the biggest question. Aside from the November showdown with LSU, this is Alabama’s most important game, and it happens to come early for new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and a first-year starter at quarterback. Quinn Ewers is a potential 2024 first-round draft pick, so right now, Texas has a clear advantage at the most important position on the field, unlike like last season’s game. Meanwhile, second-seeded Ohio State needs no introduction.

These two teams haven’t met since the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, where Texas quarterback Colt McCoy led the Longhorns to a 24-21 victory. Overall, the Longhorns own the all-time series 2-1 but if Crawford’s prediction holds true the Buckeyes would even the series and move on to the national championship game for a rematch with the Georgia Bulldogs.

College Football…