Eric Boggs
As Ohio State prepares for its Week 2 matchup against Western Michigan, fans can expect a step up in competition following the Buckeyes’ dominant 52-6 victory over Akron. This game offers Ohio State another opportunity to showcase its talent before heading into tougher matchups later in the season.
The Broncos, hailing from the Mid-American Conference (MAC), come into this game following a hard-fought contest against Wisconsin, where they managed to keep things close before ultimately falling late. Despite being heavy underdogs, Western Michigan shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Western Michigan Overview
Western Michigan may not have had a standout season last year, finishing 4-8, but under second-year head coach Lance Taylor, they’re showing signs of improvement. The Broncos lean on their ground game, spearheaded by running back Jalen Buckley, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a freshman. Buckley had an impressive two-touchdown performance against Wisconsin and will be the focal point of their offense.
Quarterback Hayden Wolfe has shown promise, completing 12 of 18 passes in his debut, and with wide receiver Kenneth Womack returning from injury, the Broncos’ passing attack could be more formidable than expected.
On defense, Western Michigan is known for its multiple looks and aggressive schemes. Linebacker Donald Willis and defensive lineman Boone Bonema anchor a unit that forced near-interceptions against Wisconsin and kept the Badgers’ offense off balance for much of the game. They’ll need an even stronger effort to slow down Ohio State’s high-powered offense.
Ohio State Outlook
For Ohio State, the game against Akron was an exhibition of dominance, with the defense allowing just two field goals and only three plays of 10+ yards. The Buckeyes’ defensive front will be tested by Western Michigan’s rushing attack, but if they can bottle up Jalen Buckley, it will be a long day for the Broncos.
Offensively, quarterback Will Howard continues to settle in, and he’ll have no shortage of weapons with star wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith at his disposal. Running back TreVeyon Henderson adds a dynamic element to the offense, and the Buckeyes will likely aim to start fast and control the game early.
Ohio State’s depth could also play a key role, with younger players potentially seeing more time on the field in the second half if the Buckeyes build a big lead.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Jalen Buckley vs. Ohio State’s Defensive Front: Buckley is the heart of Western Michigan’s offense, and containing him will be critical. If Ohio State’s front seven can shut him down, it will force the Broncos to rely on their passing game, making them one-dimensional.
- Western Michigan’s Defense vs. Ohio State’s Receivers: The Broncos will need to find ways to limit big plays from Ohio State’s receiving corps. Disguised coverages and blitzes will be key to disrupting Will Howard’s rhythm.
Game Prediction
While Western Michigan may be a more competitive opponent than Akron, Ohio State’s overwhelming talent and depth should prove too much for the Broncos to handle. Expect the Buckeyes to control the game on both sides of the ball, with the possibility of younger players getting significant playing time in the second half.
This matchup gives Ohio State fans another chance to see the team in action before the schedule ramps up. The Buckeyes will look to fine-tune their game, while Western Michigan will aim to stay competitive and gain valuable experience against top-tier competition.
