The Ohio State Buckeyes are at halftime in the middle of routing the Akron Zips and are currently leading the MAC competitor 38-7. This is the first half-time of the season where most Buckeye fans are probably content with what they’ve seen during the first 30 minutes of play.
The Buckeyes actually have a legitimate chance to beat that giant and insane 50 points spread. I understand that Akron is not very good, but this is the same Ohio State team that was only leading the Tulsa Golden Hurricane by seven points last week.
Below are three things that have made me very happy up to this point and should be something to watch for in the second half as well.
Next … Is McCord the answer?
Kyle McCord is settling in
Pretty wild little bit about tonight’s #OhioState game: if Kyle McCord starts and TreVeyon Henderson starts, it would be the first time in #Buckeyes history a true freshman starts at both QB & RB
— Alex Gleitman (@alexgleitman) September 25, 2021
Kyle McCord has done nothing to tell me he is a more viable answer than C.J. Stroud, but after that awful first drive, the true freshman has loosened up and looks much more comfortable. His play will be something to continue to monitor.
Next…Jaxon Smith-Njigba is underrated
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is better than a “third-option”
Kyle McCord connects with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 34-yard touchdown. Pass was slightly underthrown, but Smith-Njigba made the play on it. Ohio State's lead now 21-7 with 10:23 to play in the second quarter.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) September 26, 2021
Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave get all of the attention, and rightfully so. Both are All-American caliber players, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba is so close to being on that level. He currently leads all Buckeye receivers on the night with four receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Next…The defense looks more active
The defense is bring the wood
Two more true freshmen also started today, on defense: CB Denzel Burke and DE J.T. Tuimoloau. Have at it folks, because right now we don’t know if Ohio State has ever started four true freshmen in a football game before.
— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) September 26, 2021
The Ohio State defense struggled early with Akron’s super mobile and slippery dual-threat quarterback D.J. Irons, but the Buckeyes have looked much more active. It is pretty clear there may be no answer at linebacker, but I think they are beginning to find some answers on the defensive line and in the defensive backfield.
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