Ohio State vs. Washington Buckeyes Wire staff predictions for Week 5

Ok. Here we go again. After being off for a week, Ohio State hits the road to play in not only its first Big Ten game, but also the first road game of the year. So far, the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes have looked impressive at home. New starting quarterback Julian Sayin has surpassed expectations, and so too has the defense in a 3-0 start to the year that includes a win over then No. 1 Texas to break the seal on the season.

Now another test looms, and it might be a bigger one than anyone thought to start the year. The Washington Huskies have also started the year 3-0 and have looked pretty dynamic on the offensive side of the ball. Now it's time to see if the Buckeyes and the many new faces on the team can travel to a very hostile stadium and find a way to keep the machine humming, or fall victim to the circumstances.

Here at Buckeyes Wire, we like to ask our writers to predict each game, and it's no different for this one. Does each of the writers have OSU winning the game? Will it be a close one, or do Phil, Mark, Griffin, and Yesh each think Ohio State will handle its business handily.

Here's how each sees the game between Ohio State and Washington on the road playing out.

Phil Harrison, Lead Writer

Make no mistake, this will be a challenge for Ohio State. Playing in Husky Stadium is no joke, and there will be some communication problems on the road for young quarterback Julian Sayin and company. However, defense travels as they say, and that'll be the Buckeyes' saving grace to pull this one out in a closer game than most think. Look for the OSU offense to struggle a little at first, the defense to keep it in the game, and then see things start more as things progress in the game.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 27, Washington 20

Mark Russell, Featured Writer

This will be Julian Sayin's first taste of a hostile environment as the starting quarterback. The Husky faithful will make life difficult on the young quarterback before he settles down to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Ohio State wears down Washington in the second half to move to 4-0.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 34, Washington 17

Yesh Ginsburg, Featured Writer

Washington has a powerful offense, but the Huskies haven't been tested much yet against solid opposition. Assuming the Buckeyes don't start too slow given the time difference (at least it's not a noon kick), Ohio State should cruise.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Washington 17

Griffin Dreifaldt, Featured Writer

The Huskies have some real success on the ground game against the Buckeyes’ run defense and punch in multiple touchdowns that way. However, Sayin and the Ohio State offense go blow for blow against a questionable Washington defense and ultimately get the win in Seattle.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Washington 30

Summarizing the Picks

The Predictions

Phil Harrison | Ohio State 27, Washington 20

Mark Russell | Ohio State 34, Washington 17

Yesh Ginsburg | Ohio State 38, Washington 17

Griffin Dreifaldt | Ohio State 38, Washington 30

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Washington: Buckeyes Wire staff predictions