Colorado @ Ohio State preview

THE STORY: Ohio State fell from the Top 25 for the first time since 2004 following its humbling 24-6 loss at Miami last week, and now must try to regroup against Colorado in its final tune-up before Big Ten play begins Oct. 1. The Buckeyes are 3-1 all-time against the Buffaloes, who earned their first win under new coach Jon Embree last week in a 28-14 victory over in-state rival Colorado State. Colorado hasn’t won a road game since defeating Texas Tech in 2007, a streak of 18 consecutive losses.

TV: ABC/ESPN2. Line: Ohio State -15

ABOUT COLORADO (1-2, 0-0 Pac-12): The Buffaloes have had a difficult early schedule, and it didn’t help that they had to play California as a “non-conference game,” even though the two schools are now in the same conference. Colorado certainly has enough playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Paul Richardson set a school record with 284 receiving yards in the overtime loss to Cal, and running back Rodney Stewart led the way with 200 all-purpose yards in the win over Colorado State last weekend. The Buffaloes have been excellent at taking care of the ball, with just one turnover through the first three games.

ABOUT OHIO STATE (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten): The Buckeyes turned in one of their most inept offensive performances in recent memory last week against the Hurricanes. Quarterbacks Braxton Miller and Jon Bauserman combined to hit 4 of 18 throws for 35 yards with two turnovers. In the process, Ohio State suffered its most lopsided defeat since losing 35-3 at top-ranked Southern California in 2008. Coach Luke Fickell said the freshman Miller get his first career start Saturday. He'll be the first freshman QB to start for the Buckeyes since Terrelle Pryor in 2008.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is the Buffaloes’ first visit to “The Horseshoe” in 25 years.

2. Since 2005, Colorado is 0-6 on the road against non-conference BCS opponents.

3. Ohio State hasn’t lost consecutive games since dropping three in a row in 2004 to open Big Ten play.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 20, Colorado 17 -- Ohio State’s offense looked miserable in last week’s loss at Miami, and there’s no reason to think the problems will be corrected in a week. The Buckeyes sweat this one out.

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