50 For 50: An Early In-State Test For Arvell Reese

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 8 days away — with a daily sampling of what we can look forward to this upcoming college football season. Today’s edition features Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, cornerback Devin Sanchez, 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.

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Biggest Buckeye Matchups

OHIO QB PARKER NAVARRO VS. OHIO STATE LB ARVELL REESE

Parker Navarro was a nightmare at times last year for Ohio’s opponents. In his first season as a starter, the fourth-year junior threw for 2,400 yards and rushed for 1,000 yards. He had six 100-yard rushing games in conference play. In other words, Ohio State middle linebacker Arvell Reese will need to keep his eyes on Navarro when the Bobcats come to Columbus in week three. Navarro can scramble, can keep a read, or be the designated runner. Ohio will use him how they can, but they also don’t want him getting hurt in a non-conference game. This will be an interesting overall test for Arvell Reese.

Most Important Games

OREGON DUCKS AT IOWA HAWKEYES, NOV. 8

Oregon joined the Big Ten last year, but this season will provide a fuller Big Ten experience. They’ll get a White Out at Penn State in September, then in November they’ll head to Iowa for who the hell knows. They saw a little bit of what Midwest life is like last November at Wisconsin when the Ducks survived 16-13. Both teams have an open week prior to this game. That’s a better thing for Iowa than Oregon since there’s only so much studying you need to do against the Hawkeyes.

Things To Look Forward To

FRESHMAN CORNERBACK DEVIN SANCHEZ EARNING SNAPS.

Devin Sanchez came to Ohio State as the top cornerback recruit in the nation. He performed well enough in the spring to get reps with the ones and twos. The Buckeyes are set with starters Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews, but top cornerbacks tend to stand out quickly. This is going to be a long season, and the Devin Sanchez you see in November is going to be better than the one you see in September. All along the way, however, it’s going to be interesting to watch his contribution and growth.

National College Football Predictions

BOISE STATE IS HEADED BACK TO THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF.

Boise State plays just one Power 4 opponent this year. They travel to Notre Dame for a showdown on October 4. A close loss to the Irish will give them the same kind of instant credibility that the 37-34 loss at Oregon did a year ago. The biggest difference between the two situations, however, is that this game will be Boise’s fifth of the year, so there will already be a narrative around the team. Last year’s loss at Oregon was just the second game of the year, and no opinion had yet been formed before that game. If the Broncos can hang close in a loss, it could become the best win by any Group of 6 team. If they do lose to Notre Dame, they better not lose anywhere else.

Big Ten Football Predictions

INDIANA DE MIKAIL KAMARA WILL LEAD THE BIG TEN IN SACKS.

Indiana defensive end Mikail Kamara is the leading returning sacker in the Big Ten. He finished third in the conference with 10 sacks last year behind JT Tuimoloau (12.5) and Abdul Carter (12.0). After three years at James Madison, Kamara was a unanimous First-Team All-Big Ten selection last year in his first season as a Hoosier. What can he do for an encore? Indiana is hoping for another All-Big Ten performance.

Ohio State Football Predictions

FOUR BUCKEYES WILL HAVE 100-YARD RECEIVING GAMES.

If this were a bold predictions segment, I could even push this to five Buckeyes with 100-yard receiving games. We can go ahead and chalk up Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Tate’s only career 100-yard game came last year against Nebraska (4-102). Brandon Inniss is a safe bet as well. It’s been a long time since OSU’s No. 1 slot receiver didn’t have a 100-yard game over the course of a season. But then there is also tight end Max Klare, or receivers Bryson Rodgers and Mylan Graham. Heck, don’t forget about a running back getting involved here either.

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