Gameday+ | Our team of experts predicts the Ohio State-Cincinnati score

Bill Rabinowitz

OHIO STATE BEAT WRITER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State 31, Cincinnati 17

The Buckeyes better be ready for a scrap because Fickell's Bearcats will give them one. But in the end, OSU's superior talent and depth will prevail.

Joey Kaufman

OHIO STATE BEAT WRITER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State 35, Cincinnati 17

Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell prohibited players from speaking with reporters this week. Though the Bearcats should be extra focused after not having to answer questions, Ohio State is at home and too talented not to prevail.

Rob Oller

SPORTS REPORTER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio State 31, Cincinnati 14

Luke Fickell comes "home," but the welcome mat gets pulled from under him during the second half. No 28-point, first-quarter outburst this time, but just too much — and Justin too much — Buckeyes talent for the Bearcats to handle for four quarters.

Ben Buchanan

ANALYST, CH. 6/CH. 28

FORMER OHIO STATE PUNTER

Ohio State 35, Cincinnati 17

Coach Fickell comes in with a great scheme returning a top-15 defense from 2018. Close early, but the Bucks have superior athletes top to bottom and are the more physical team. Their “toughness” mantra is on display from the start for a solid win.

Fletcher Page

CINCINNATI BEAT WRITER

THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Ohio State 34, Cincinnati 13

Can't see the left side of the Bearcats' offensive line holding up against the Buckeyes' defensive depth and talent. On the other side, the Ohio State offense should break out in the second or third quarter against a good defense that won't keep up against elite players like Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins.

Listen to the BuckeyeXtra Football podcast: