Ohio State Faces Tough Challenge in Seattle Against Washington

SEATTLE, Washington — The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) will meet the Washington Huskies (3-0) Saturday in a Big Ten showdown at Husky Stadium. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS.

Ohio State enters the match-up as 8.5-point favorites after a decisive 37-9 victory over Ohio. The Buckeyes, defending national champions, aim to build on a streak that has stretched to seven games dating back to the previous season. Meanwhile, the Huskies, who have not lost at home since 2022, are looking to continue their impressive run of 22 consecutive home wins.

The Buckeyes’ defense, ranked No. 1 in scoring, will face a significant test against a high-powered Washington offense. The Huskies lead the nation with an average of 55.7 points per game, driven by standout performances from quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and running back Jonah Coleman.

Williams Jr., in his first season as a starter, has shone so far with a passing efficiency ranking among the best in the FBS, while Coleman, second in the nation in scrimmage yards, has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Huskies.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day is also looking to extend his impressive record of success. He is 48-0 against Big Ten opponents other than Michigan and Oregon, and has an 18-4 record in games with more than a week of preparation. The Buckeyes have won 13 straight Big Ten openers, the last defeat coming in 2011.

On the flip side, Washington quarterback Williams Jr. faces a formidable Ohio State defense that has allowed just two touchdowns and a field goal all season.

This match-up could have implications for the College Football Playoff as both teams navigate the road to a potential national championship. An upset by the Huskies could significantly shake up the playoff landscape, especially with several top-25 matchups happening concurrently this weekend.

Despite the odds in favor of Ohio State, analysts suggest the game could be tighter than expected early on. The Buckeyes need to manage the intense environment inside Husky Stadium while leveraging their depth in the receiving corps to exploit any matchup weaknesses in Washington’s defense.