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Ohio State drops in ESPN’s updated power rankings after Week 2
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Ohio State has a spotless record through the first 2 weeks of the 2024 college football season.
In Week 1, the Buckeyes defeated in-state Akron 52-6. In Week 2, the team continued to dominate, beating Western Michigan 56-0. This means the Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 108-6 through two weeks.
After every week of action, ESPN drops updated power rankings. In the latest version of these rankings, the Buckeyes actually dropped one spot down to No. 3, behind Georgia and Texas, respectively.
To be fair, the Buckeyes didn’t drop because of their performance. Instead, the Buckeyes fell due to Texas’ impressive victory over Michigan. Georgia also remained perfect, so there was no movement at the top spot either.
Regarding the Buckeyes, the ESPN’s Jake Trotter offered the following:
The Buckeyes came out clicking offensively in Week 2, following a sluggish start in the season-opening win over Akron. Ohio State scored touchdowns on its first three possessions, highlighted by Jeremiah Smith’s electric 70-yard touchdown reception. The freshman phenom receiver finished with 119 yards receiving, as the Buckeyes coasted past Western Michigan 56-0.
The running game looked much sharper, as well. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined to rush for four touchdowns while averaging a whopping 9.2 yards per carry. All told, Ohio State churned out 683 yards of offense. The Buckeyes are still figuring things out under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. But they clearly have the talent to boast the top offense in college football. — Jake Trotter
So, even though the Buckeyes dropped, ESPN’s panel of college football experts is still high on the team for 2024.
Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have a bye in Week 3 before one more tune-up game in Week 4 against Marshall. The Buckeyes begin B1G play in Week 5 against Michigan State.
Counting Ohio State, 7 B1G teams appear in these rankings: Ohio State, USC, Penn State, Oregon, Michigan, Nebraska, and Illinois.
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Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.