What separates Ohio State and Ball State

◄Ball StatefavorsOhio State►

Last season's body of worklast year's power rating, regressed toward the averageOhio State +25

Returning productionhow much of last year's production is back this seasonOhio State +6

Roster talentoverall talent level of the roster — recruiting pedigree plus an independent preseason roster gradeOhio State +6

Transfer portalnet proven talent gained vs lost in transfers — it raises or lowers a roster's projected strengthBall State +3

Quarterbackthe projected starter's quality and how settled the job isOhio State +3

Each ingredient of our projection and the side it favors — bars toward Ohio State are why it's the pick (home field is counted separately).