As I recall last year, sitting in the rain in Columbus, our offense simply looked lost for most of the game until OSU had all their backups in. I rewatched on TV, and this didn't show up as much as in person, but we looked seriously out-manned at every position both on O and D.
So... not really sure what to expect this season. We'll presumably be less awed. We're at home. Our O line is very different (a lot more mobile I think) and is starting to click together a little bit. Relative success w/MSU hopefully gave our players some confidence to play against the big boys. Our RBs are a year stronger and more experienced. I think McDaniels will bring something a little different (we're not out-muscling OSU in the trenches, so we better get creative).
So, if we can score against their first team, then turnovers could keep us in the game. And if we can stay in contact w/them score-wise, then we always have a chance (I know, thank you Captain Obvious). But I think it's a really big ask.
I've watched most of all their games this season, and they're only just now starting to really play well. I think they've mostly shed their early season ugliness. Like a lot of championship teams, they kind of approached the earlier part of the season on autopilot but now that the critical part of the season is just ahead, they've awoken and are starting to play like the NC team they are.
I'll say this (and I'm sure many will disagree). I think we can still win even if Leonte is out injured (which I think is likely, despite what he said about it). He's phenomenal, no question. And there would be a drop off, also no question. But Agudosi and Patton did some really good stuff last game. I think they can get the job done - not as well as Leonte, but if Laviano has time to make throws, I think they can get some separation and they'll make catches.
