Ohio State

Stock: the same (it’s already the highest it can be)

 

The schedule change eliminated the Buckeyes’ contests against Oregon, Bowling Green and Buffalo. Even with the Oregon contest as a potential early-season loss, the Buckeyes still are the clear favorites to win the Big Ten and represent the conference in the College Football Playoff.

The only big change that this year will bring is their game against Michigan at home will likely be played in front of an empty stadium, again eliminating the home field advantage that plays a massive role in deciding the outcome of so many Big Ten contests.

But Ryan Day welcomes back one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Justin Fields, reloads an impressive roster and sees Michigan’s stock drop as a result of the altered schedule.

The Buckeyes are in a great position to win yet another Big Ten title and the conference-only schedule did nothing to hurt their chances.

 

Next…the Badgers’ division rival