GOPHERS OFFENSE VS.

BUCKEYES DEFENSE

This is a good — but not great — Ohio State defense. Michigan State's Jeremy Langford rushed for 137 yards against the Buckeyes. David Cobb should find openings, too, but Mitch Leidner has to build off his strong performance against Iowa and hit his play-action passes. Advantage: Buckeyes

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jerry Kill would love to win the field-position battle, helping neutralize the talent gap, but Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is a special teams zealot, too. Advantage: Even

º player to watch

OSU end Joey Bosa leads the Big Ten in sacks (10) and tackles for a loss (14.5). The 6-5, 278-pound sophomore is a sure-fire NFL prospect, and he's also due. He had at least one tackle for losses in 14 consecutive games. The streak ended last week against Michigan State.

THE OPPONENT

Ohio State needs to continue impressing the playoff selection committee if it wants to climb from No. 8 to a spot in the four-team field. The Buckeyes have won 12 consecutive road games, but will have to prevent a letdown after last week's 49-37 win at Michigan State.

GOPHERS DEFENSE VS.

BUCKEYES OFFENSE

Ohio State and Oregon are tied for fourth in scoring offense, at 46 points per game. Freshman QB J.T. Barrett can do it all, Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 154 yards against Michigan State, and Devin Smith needs one touchdown catch to match Cris Carter's school record (27). Advantage: Buckeyes

INTANGIBLES

J.T. Barrett

The Gophers played Wisconsin tough at home last Nov. 23, when it was 18 degrees for kickoff. Barrett, a Texas native, might get thrown off by the cold. Advantage: Gophers

JOE'S PREDICTION

34 24

OSUMINN

The Buckeyes, who needed two OTs to win at Penn State, will get another scare, but Ohio State has too many weapons to let this one slip.