Ohio State overcomes slow start, defeats Akron 52-6

A pass from Brayden Roggow was intercepted by LB Gabe Powers, scoring the Buckeye’s second defensive touchdown of the game in a 29-yard deflected pick-six. Powers hails from Marysville, and his touchdown furthered Ohio State’s lead to 52-6.

With the Buckeyes up 45-6 late in the fourth quarter, Ryan Day has put in Devin Brown at quarterback. Howard finishes 17-for-28, 228 yards and three touchdowns.

The sophomore wide receiver scores his first touchdown of the season, a 34-yard haul from Will Howard, who now has three passing scores this afternoon. The Buckeyes take a 45-6 lead with that four-play, 47 yard drive that lasted 1:53.

Entering the first Buckeyes drive of the fourth quarter, Will Howard is looking confident at quarterback. He’s gotten his completion percentage up to 56 percent, completing 14-for-28 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Plus, I think he’s learned to trust his running backs more to get more yards. The ground game accounts for the other half of OSU’s scores on offense.

102,011 fans made their way to Ohio Stadium for Saturday’s season opener against Akron.

James Peoples with the score on his first career carry as Ohio State takes a 38-6 lead into the fourth quarter. A four-yard rushing touchdown caps off an 8-play, 74-yard drive in 3:56.

Garrison Smith secures three more points for Akron, doubling their points for a 31-6 game off a field goal.

Lathan Ransom takes advantage of an Akron fumble, returning it 26 yards to the endzone for the Buckeyes touchdown. And just like that, Ohio State has scored twice in the span of 18 seconds, taking a 31-3 lead.

I think this is the Ohio State fans were expecting to see earlier.

Lathan Ransom races to the end zone off of a scoop and score after Akron fumbled. Buckeyes now lead 31-3.

Quinshon Judkins scores the first rushing touchdown of the season for Ohio State, putting the exclamation point on a drive that saw Jeremiah Smith complete a 45-yard pass from Will Howard. That’s Judkins’ first score as a Buckeye after transferring from Ole Miss.

The Buckeyes have a 24-3 lead with 7:53 left in the third quarter.

Ohio State takes a three-touchdown lead, and the extra point is good, bringing the score to 24-3

Ben Finley, no. 10 and quarterback for the Zips, was escorted off the field by two trainer. Finley had been indicating pain throughout the game, which has been quite the attack on the redshirt junior. No. 12 Tahj Bullock is now playing the position for Akron.

The Buckeyes head into halftime 17-3, with Akron starting with possession in the third quarter.

With the new 2024 rule change, the clock stopped with two minutes remaining in the first half to allow all end-of-half timing rules to be simplified.

Better decision making by the Buckeyes on this drive. First, Howard connects with Carnell Tate for a 16-yard completion on third down. Then, Howard gets a 19-yard gain on the keeper to set up first and goal. A few plays later, it’s Jeremiah Smith who hauls in the touchdown in the middle for the nine-yard touchdown.

Ohio State takes a 17-3 lead with 4:30 to go in the half.

Caleb Downs, the sophomore safety who transferred from Alabama, providing a highlight worthy sack forcing the Zips into a three and out.

The Ohio State defense doing its part in this season opener after that earlier interception by Denzel Burke. Buckeyes lead 10-3.

Jayden Fielding completes the 40-yard field goal attempt to put Ohio State up 10-3 over Akron. Feels like a missed opportunity for the Buckeyes to extend that lead after some poor throws by Will Howard. I’m sure some fans are questioning some of that decision making by the Kansas State transfer.

Denzel Burke comes up with the INT and Ohio State gets back in business working from the Akron 33 yard line.

Will Howard went through the air on fourth down targeting Emeka Ebuka, but the Buckeyes were unable to convert. It’s a turnover on downs and Akron gets the ball from their own 25 yard line.

It was a bit of a slow start for the Buckeyes, but it wasn’t entirely surprising given all the new faces making their debuts in the Scarlet and Gray. It appears that the OSU offense has settled down, with Jeremiah Smith securing the first Buckeyes touchdown throw of the year from Will Howard. We’ll see if and how they continue that momentum as we head into the second quarter with a 7-3 lead.

The Zips forced to punt, and it wasn’t very good. The kick went 25 yards before going out of bounds. The Buckeyes will begin the next drive at their own 41 yard line.

Ohio State’s first points of the year resulted from a 14-play, 75-yard drive that lasted 6:00. Howard is now 5-for-10 completing 60 yards. He’s also had two carries for nine yards.

There was a lot of attention and hype given to Jeremiah Smith heading into the season and it appears, for now, that he’s meeting the moment.

Will Howard finds Jeremiah Smith in the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown and we’ve got our first Buckeyes score of the season. With the extra point, OSU leads Akron 7-3. 2:44 remaining in the first quarter.

Upon further review, the call stands. Will Howard will try again on second and 10 from the Akron 20.

Will Howard’s last pass toward the end zone was caught by Emeka Egbuka but it’s ruled out of bounds. The previous play is under review.

The Buckeyes are starting to find their groove. Two straight first down completions, first to Jeremiah Smith and then to Emeka Ebuka. Now the Buckeyes have crossed midfield.

OSU gets the ball back after a less than memorable first drive that featured three plays, nine yards and a penalty. We’ll see if the Buckeyes can settle down and put a drive together after allowing the Zips to get on the board first.

– David

Garrison Smith puts the Zips up 3-0 on a 48-yard attempt and the Buckeyes are behind in their season opener against Akron.

Just announced in the press box. A number change for today. Lorenzo Styles, Jr, the senior cornerback from Pickerington, will be wearing No. 3 today.

We are just moments away from kickoff. Ohio State about to take the field to begin the 2024 season.