Eric Boggs
As the college football season finally kicks off, Ohio State is set to face the Akron Zips this Saturday at 3:30 PM. Buckeye fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of their team to the field, especially after a long offseason filled with both high expectations and the lingering sting of recent losses to Michigan. The Buckeyes, ready to redeem themselves, are set to make a statement in this season opener.
Historical Context
Ohio State and Akron have faced each other nine times, with Ohio State holding an 8-1 series lead. The lone loss for the Buckeyes came in 1894, a fact that still irks some fans despite the century that has passed since. Ohio State has won the last five meetings, including a dominant 59-7 victory in 2021.
Offseason Storylines
This offseason has been particularly long for Ohio State, with a mix of frustration and anticipation fueling the Buckeye faithful. Michigan’s recent success, including their national championship win (albeit under controversial circumstances with the Connor Stalions scandal), has made this offseason even tougher to endure. However, the return of key players and the addition of top recruits, such as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, has created a sense of optimism for the Buckeyes.
What to Watch For
As Ohio State takes the field, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how much the offensive line has improved. False starts and penalties plagued the team last season, so the focus will be on discipline and execution. The right guard position is still up for grabs, and how this unit performs will be crucial for the Buckeyes’ success this season.
Leading the offense is Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State. Howard’s numbers from last season—2,643 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions—might not jump off the page, but he was operating with far less talent than he has now at Ohio State. With the weapons at his disposal, it’s not unrealistic to expect a significant boost in his production. Howard’s ability to run the RPO and make plays with his legs adds another dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense.
In the backfield, TreVeyon Henderson returns as the leading rusher, having accumulated 926 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Despite playing behind an inconsistent offensive line, Henderson managed to be productive, and with improved line play, he could be even more dangerous this season. Joining him is Quenshawn Judkins, an SEC standout who rushed for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Judkins’ power running style will be a valuable asset in short-yardage situations, an area where the Buckeyes struggled last season.
The wide receiver corps, though losing stars Marvin Harrison Jr. and Cade Stover to the NFL, remains formidable. Emeka Egbuka, who battled injuries last season, is back and expected to be a key contributor. Alongside him are rising talents Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith, with Smith being heralded as one of the most promising receivers to come out of Ohio State in recent years. The tight end room is led by Gee Scott Jr., who has shown improvement and is poised to take on a larger role this season.
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, Ohio State boasts one of the nation’s top defenses, with depth that could see their second string ranking in the top 10 nationally. The rotation of players, particularly at linebacker and defensive back, will be key to keeping the defense fresh and effective throughout the game.
Davison Igbinosun and Denzel Burke will anchor the secondary, with Burke returning for another year to complete unfinished business. Cody Simon will step into a starting role at linebacker, joined by the versatile Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks, who are expected to see significant playing time. Caleb Downs, a transfer who led Alabama in tackles as a freshman, will be a ball-hawking presence in the secondary.
Up front, the defensive line is stacked with talent. Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, and Taron Vincent return, forming one of the most formidable fronts in the nation. The depth on the defensive line and the secondary is so strong that the Buckeyes’ second team could arguably be a top-10 defense on its own.
The Akron Zips
Akron enters the game with a new quarterback, Ben Finley, a transfer from NC State. Finley has struggled with accuracy in the past, completing just 57% of his passes throughout his career and throwing more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven). The Zips’ offense will also feature Jordan Simmons, a former Michigan State running back who led the Spartans in rushing in 2020.
Akron’s offense will have a tough challenge against Ohio State’s stout defense, and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to keep pace with the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, which is loaded with talent across the board. With Ryan Day at the helm, expect Ohio State to come out firing on all cylinders, eager to start the season with a decisive win.
Final Thoughts
This matchup is set to be a one-sided affair, with Ohio State heavily favored to win by a significant margin. The Buckeyes are expected to cover the large spread, and the game will likely serve as a tune-up for more challenging opponents down the road. For Buckeye fans, this game is more than just a chance to see their team in action; it’s the beginning of what they hope will be a journey back to the top of college football.
All signs point to a dominant Buckeye victory as they set the tone for what could be a very special season.
