Akron won't provide much of a challenge for Ohio State but will still bring a chance to test the Buckeyes' gains on the offensive line and at quarterback.
Ohio State’s quest to right the results of the past two seasons and capture the program’s first national title in a decade begins with a single step against one of the dregs of the MAC on Saturday.The Buckeyes’ first challenge isn’t much of one. Of the teams on Ohio State’s schedule, Akron had the worst record last season at 2-10 with one of its wins coming against an FCS opponent. The Zips were 130th in scoring and 129th in total offense across college football’s 133 teams in 2023.
Thus, Akron presents a chance for the Buckeyes to continue developing, building confidence and hopefully remaining healthy for bigger challenges ahead.While Ohio State can afford to stall out a few drives early and still beat Akron handily, it’s important to set the precedent of building a lead quickly for when the Buckeyes face opponents they can’t afford to fall behind.
If the Buckeyes build a big lead by halftime, they could optimally take their starters out early in the third quarter and provide needed rest and a shield from injury in preparation for what they hope will be another 15 games in their season. Handle business quickly and they’ll be able to bank their bodies for down the road.Ohio State’s defense is expected by those in Columbus and many national prognosticators to be the nation’s best.
“We always have a chip on our shoulder,” right tackle Josh Fryar said on Aug. 22. “I think Seth talks about it best – I think it's what drives us. Seth's supposed to be the worst center in the country. People don't like me at right tackle. Tegra 's slow, Donnie's supposed to be gone to the NFL, Josh Simmons doesn't know what he's doing. Like everybody has an opinion about us.
Akron kicker Garrison Smith started his career at Ohio State as a walk-on in 2021. He spent two years at McNeese State before transferring again to Akron this offseason. Ohio State has won its last 46 consecutive games against in-state teams and is 51-0-1 against teams from the Buckeye State since it lost 7-6 to Oberlin in 1921.Shawn Lodge, a wide receiver who joined the Buckeyes this summer as a walk-on transfer from Presbyterian, is Ohio State’s only current player from Akron.
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