50 For 50: Carnell Tate Poised To Put On A Show This Year

Welcome to our daily feature that I am calling “50 for 50” where I attempt to get us to Big Ten Media Days — which are 32 days away — with a daily sampling of what we can look forward to this upcoming college football season. Today’s edition features Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, nickel back Lorenzo Styles, Jr., a talented freshman runner, and more.

As always, we will do this via the following categories: the 50 biggest individual matchups for the Buckeyes this season, the 50 most important college football games this season, 50 Buckeye things to look forward to this season, 50 national predictions, 50 Big Ten predictions, and 50 predictions involving the Buckeyes.

Previous | Day 18

Biggest Buckeye Matchups

PENN STATE CB AJ HARRIS VS. OHIO STATE WR CARNELL TATE

This could be one of the best outside matchups in the Big Ten this year. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is one of the top receivers in the nation and Penn State’s AJ Harris is one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. Harris is a bigger corner who will try to get physical with Tate. When Harris does have Tate in coverage, he’s probably not going to have much help behind him because the Penn State secondary is going to be shaded towards OSU teammate Jeremiah Smith. As such, it’s going to be key for Harris to step up when he is all by his lonesome. This could be one of those games where Carnell Tate makes himself — and somebody else — famous.

Most Important Games

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES AT ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI, OCT. 11

There is no greater prize in human sports than the Illibuck Trophy. Part wood, part turtle, all glory. These two teams haven’t played since 2017. In that span, the Buckeyes have played Clemson twice, and Oregon and Notre Dame three times. The Illini have lost the last eight in this rivalry and haven’t beaten Ohio State since the Juice went loose on the Buckeye defense in 2007. Ohio State hasn’t played at Illinois since 2015. This is going to be a tough out for the Buckeyes. It’s the biggest game in Chambana in decades. Do not expect an easy road for Ohio State. Bret Bielema is coming for his turtle. He likes turtles.

Things To Look Forward To

THE NICKEL POSITION IN NEW HANDS.

This is not to say that you should be looking forward to Jordan Hancock being off to the NFL, because that is not accurate. But it is always interesting to watch new players step into key roles. Lorenzo Styles, Jr. having the opportunity to start at nickel in his final season could be a great story for him and the Buckeyes. He had a very strong spring, but he’ll still need to continue to hold off challengers like Bryce West. But there are few better stories than a legacy Buckeye coming home, waiting his turn, and making his mark.

National College Football Predictions

DEVIN BROWN WILL MATCH HIS CAREER TOTALS IN ONE GAME.

Former Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown is now at California where he is expected to start for the Bears. If he does, then we’ll finally get an opportunity to see what he can do over the course of a full season. During his three years at Ohio State, Brown completed 27-of-48 passes for 331 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. This feels like a pretty good line for him against Virginia this year. Even if it’s not Virginia, he’ll throw for at least 331 yards and three touchdowns against somebody. For what it’s worth, this hasn’t happened for a Cal quarterback since 2022.

Big Ten Football Predictions

INDIANA LB AIDEN FISHER WILL LEAD THE B1G IN TACKLES.

Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher is one of the top returning defenders in the Big Ten this year. He came to Indiana from James Madison with head coach Curt Cignetti a year ago and finished third in the B1G with 118 tackles. The Hoosiers may take a step back this year, which means more tackles for Fisher. He will have his challengers, but Fisher is an active defender who is going to be involved in a lot of plays this year.

Ohio State Football Predictions

BO JACKSON WILL HAVE A 100-YARD RUSHING GAME THIS YEAR.

The 2022 season was the last time a freshman running back went for 100 yards for the Buckeyes. Dallan Hayden did it three times that year, but hasn’t done it since. Bo Jackson will have the same kind of opportunities as past OSU freshmen to salt away a game. Grambling in week two will be his first chance at hitting 100 yards. Don’t be shocked if he makes it happen the first opportunity he gets. Jackson is going to have some moments this year. It’s okay to get excited about it.

Go to discussion...