SPOKANE, WA — The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the equally unbeaten Washington Huskies (3-0) in a Week 5 showdown that promises fireworks, chaos, and just enough grit to remind everyone that college football is still very much a contact sport.
Both teams have been dominant through the first month of the season, but this matchup represents a true measuring stick: can Washington’s explosive offense and home-field advantage keep pace with Ohio State’s depth, discipline, and overwhelming talent? For the Buckeyes, it’s a chance to reinforce their national title aspirations; for the Huskies, it’s an opportunity to prove that they belong in the conversation at the top of the college football world.
Spokane’s climate, travel fatigue, and altitude might play minor roles, but let’s be honest — the real story is the clash of two teams that have rarely faced comparable competition in consecutive weeks.
It’s Ryan Day. It’s Jedd Fisch. For once, the Buckeyes aren’t playing on Big Noon, but CBS at 3:30 p.m.
Ohio State has steamrolled through its early-season schedule, after a Week 1 win over Texas, while Washington has been entertaining fans with big plays and flashy scoring drives. Both squads come in undefeated, but only one can walk out of this game unscathed and still unblemished.
For Buckeyes fans, it’s a chance to see how their team handles a hostile environment; for Husky supporters, it’s a test of whether their team can actually close out games against elite opponents.
This game will also serve as a preview of playoff implications. Ohio State’s path to a national title requires dominating on the road against top-tier competition, and Washington has every incentive to prove that it can compete with the nation’s best. Both teams have established high-powered offenses and playmakers capable of changing the game in a single snap, making this one a must-watch event for fans who crave both strategy and spectacle. The stakes are high, the potential for chaos is higher, and the margin for error is nonexistent.
Sagarin vs. Vegas: The Numbers Game
According to the Sagarin ratings, Ohio State is the nation’s top team at 93.31, while Washington ranks 20th at 82.09. Using our subtraction method:
93.31 – 82.09 = 11.22 in favor of Ohio State.
Factoring in Washington’s home-field advantage of 5.25 points:
11.22 – 5.25 = 5.97 in favor of OSU.
The Sagarin model projects a roughly six-point victory for Ohio State. Vegas, on the other hand, has set the line at Ohio State -7.5 with an Over / Under of 52.5, suggesting they expect the Buckeyes to win comfortably, but not dominate. The numbers indicate a tight, competitive contest that could swing on a single turnover or big play.
Keys to Victory: Ohio State
- Exploit the Secondary – Washington’s pass defense has allowed 199.7 yards per game through the air. Quarterback Julian Sayin and his talented receiving corps should attack early and often.
- Control the Line of Scrimmage – Establishing the run game will allow the Buckeyes to dictate tempo, open play-action opportunities, and keep Washington’s high-powered offense off the field.
- Limit Big Plays – Washington thrives on explosive scoring. Ohio State must prevent long touchdowns and force the Huskies to sustain drives.
Keys to Victory: Washington
- Establish the Run Game – Running back Jonah Coleman leads the nation with nine rushing touchdowns. Controlling the clock and keeping Ohio State’s offense off the field is essential.
- Pressure the Quarterback – Disrupting Sayin will force mistakes and potentially swing momentum. Creating turnovers could be the difference in a game this close.
- Win the Turnover Battle – Defensive opportunism is key. Washington’s ability to force errors and capitalize quickly may be their best chance to pull the upset.
The Final Verdict
Both teams enter this game undefeated, battle-tested, and ready to prove their worth. While Washington has home-field advantage and big-play ability, Ohio State’s depth, coaching, and overall talent give them the edge. Expect a competitive game, with momentum swings, highlight-reel plays, and a final few minutes that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Prediction:
Ohio State 38, Washington 28
OVER 52.5
Ohio State’s combination of experience, roster depth, and disciplined execution should allow them to escape Spokane with a hard-fought victory, maintaining their unbeaten record and reinforcing their status as one of the nation’s top contenders under Ryan Day.
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