Here are three key factors for No. 2 Ohio State vs. Akron on Saturday:
Ohio State Buckeyes must not get over the hump
There has been no shortage of hype surrounding the Buckeyes this offseason, with analysts raving about the accumulation of talent on the roster and championship expectations seemingly rising by the month. There was a feeling in Columbus that it was a national title or a loss. With the anticipation building, will this squad get swept up in admiration as they open the year with what looks to be a one-sided game? With the Buckeyes embarking on what could be the longest season in program history, it would be wise for them not to get too eager right off the bat.
Ohio State must put pressure on the quarterback
Akron is expected to use Ben Finley at quarterback, and the Buckeyes will therefore flood the pocket. Finley, a graduate student with starting experience at California and North Carolina State, has often struggled as a passer when faced with a tough rush. His career completion percentage halves under pressure, from 63.2% with a clean pocket to 31.8% under pressure, data from Pro Football Focus shows. It’s far from certain he’ll get much help from an offensive line that allowed 46 sacks last fall. Only six Football Bowl Subdivision schools allowed more.
Quarterback Will Howard must be precise
Not many passers tore the Zips secondary to shreds last season. Quarterbacks completed just 55.9% of their passes against them, the 13th-lowest mark in the FBS in 2023, and the 6.7 yards per pass attempt they allowed also ranked 30th. With the return of cornerback Darrian Lewis and the signing of Oregon transfer safety Daymon David, they are expected to remain potent on the back end of their defense. Will Howard, the Buckeyes’ newly named starting quarterback, will need to gel with his new receivers to keep them on schedule.
Important duel
Ohio State offensive line vs. Akron defensive line
While Akron, which finished 2-10 each of the last two seasons, doesn’t serve as much of a measuring stick for Ohio State, it could be a useful gauge at least at one stage. The Zips have an experienced front seven led by CJ Nunnally IV, a defensive end and returning All-MAC first-team selection who led them with seven sacks last year. Considering the performance of the Buckeyes’ offensive line in their last Cotton Bowl appearance, their response will be somewhat telling.
Important statistics
32: Ohio State’s average margin of victory in its four previous wins over Akron, including a 52-point loss three years ago.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State University football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or send him an email to [email protected].
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