I got my first up-close look at Ohio State last week and man, was it impressive.



My FOX Sports TV crew did a few of the Buckeyes’ games last year as well as in 2017. Those teams were also loaded with NFL talent but I think something is a little different about this bunch. The vibe feels a little looser, more comfortable. Granted, you probably shouldn’t read too much off of one week, but those other teams felt a little more combustible than this one. I’m not saying the 2019 Buckeyes are a lock to go 15-0 and steamroll their way to the national title, but right now, I wouldn’t pick anyone else against them.



Here are my takeaways from a few days with a close-up view of the Buckeyes.



1. In 2017 and 2018, Ohio State had Top 5 talent but had its season de-railed after getting thumped by a big underdog on the road, first at Iowa and then last year at Purdue. Last Friday night’s game at Northwestern, a four-touchdown underdog, seemed to...