This column by ESPN.com's Pat Forde captures the essence of why I am so confident of a Buckeyes victory on Monday night.
There is a look in Troy Smith's eyes these days.A Vince Young look in his eyes.
A look that says, "There's no way Ohio State is losing while I'm wearing its uniform."
I have seen every play of Troy Smith's three year playing career, plus three Spring Games, and I have to agree.
No way.
A lot of people are predicting a low-scoring game because both defenses are so good. I don't think so. Florida's skill position players scare me, as does the prospect that Coach Meyer will surprise the Bucks with some big trick plays. So I think they could score as many as 24 points.
And I'm also remembering the buildup to the OSU-Michigan game seven weeks ago, which by the time the game was played, had lionized the Michigan defense as one of the best ever in college football history. Their fast, strong defensive line, giving up a microscopic 29 yds per game rushing for the season, their tough, speedy linebackers, and their rugged secondary featuring 1st Team All-American Leon Hall, would be by far the best the Buckeyes had faced all year. Studs like Hall and Woodley and Branch...plus Harris, Crable, Burgess. Surely the Buckeyes would struggle with all that defensive speed and talent.
All Troy Smith did was shred the Wolverine defense for four passing touchdowns, to four different receivers, and Buckeye running backs Pittman and Wells each had a rushing TD of over 50 yards. OSU totaled over 180 yards rushing, and racked up 509 yards overall.
Color me skeptical that Florida's defense will fare enough better than that to pull off the upset.
My prediction is the Buckeyes over Florida, 34-20.
UPDATE 1/7: From Fox Sports, 10 Reasons Why Ohio State Will Beat Florida (thanks, BobG)