3 takeaways from Ohio State's dominant Week 1 performance vs. Akron
Ohio State enters the 2024 season with elite expectations and a roster tailor-made for the journey ahead. In Week 1, the Buckeyes fit the bill as one of the best teams in the country with a blowout win over Akron.
It took a while to get the ball rolling. A quick 3-and-out to start the game and a sluggish first quarter provided a few tense moments, but the Buckeyes began to settle in with the second quarter onward.
By the time the starters were pulled in the fourth quarter, Ohio State had racked up another 50+ point outing under head coach Ryan Day with star debuts from Chip Kelly, Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith. Competition will look different down the road, but the Buckeyes did what they were supposed to in the season opener.
Here are the key takeaways from the 52-6 drubbing of Akron:
Jeremiah Smith is the real deal
A number of key players were making Ohio State debuts on Saturday, but the frenzy surrounding Jeremiah Smith was particularly special. Any concerns about a true freshman starting in a key role for the Buckeyes quickly evaporated, even after Smith dropped an easy pass in his first target.
Smith responded by leading the Buckeyes with 6 catches for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns before giving way to the backups. That’s a particularly impressive debut considering he’s a true freshman, and it gives a lot of hope for the ceiling of the offense.
Emeka Egbuka chipped in 4 catches for 51 yards (and nearly pulled in a highlight-reel score of his own), and Smith helps take the WR to another level this season.
The defense looks elite
Akron’s offense was no match for the Buckeye defense, including starting quarterback Ben Finley. He was hit early — and often — and took a beating before eventually getting replaced for good by Tahj Bullock and Brayden Roggow.
Ohio State finished the game with 5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in a dominant effort up front. JT Tuimoloau contributed 1.5 sacks to lead the team while Lathan Ransom’s 2 TFL were the most for the Buckeyes.
The defense also got in on the scoring efforts for Ohio State. Ransom scored off a scoop-and-score in the 3rd quarter, and it was a pick-6 off by Gabe Powers off a deflected pass that allowed Ohio State to break 50 points in the win.
We’ll see bigger tests once the B1G slate rolls around, but that’s the kind of effort you want to see in an easy season opener.
Will Howard quiets any idea of QB controversy
Last season, Ohio State could never avoid questions surrounding the quarterback situation with Kyle McCord struggling in Week 1 and various points throughout the season. For now, there’s no question about the leader of the offense with Will Howard shining.
Though it did take a handful of drives to find his footing, Howard would finish the game 17-for-28 passing the ball with 228 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also chipped in 18 yards on the ground, showing what Ohio State can do with a mobile QB capable of converting key plays with his legs.
There are undoubtedly some aspects for Ohio State to clean up moving forward, and that’s to be expected with some newcomers in key roles on both sides of the ball. But Howard’s performance is more encouraging than it is concerning as the Buckeyes start the season in complete control.
