While many fans have already pushed the panic button on the season, and maybe rightfully so, this week should be another piece to the puzzle that is the 2021 version of Ohio State football.
And this team truly is a puzzle. If OSU wins and wins big, that’s a good sign, but not necessarily something to hang our proverbial hat on. However, if the Buckeyes struggle in any aspect with Akron, the problems may be bigger than any of us realized.
Akron ranks at No. 129 in the FPI (Football Power Index ranking). They’ve been blown out Auburn and Temple and have one win against FCS opponent Bryant.
The Buckeyes get the Zips in primetime under the lights at the ‘Shoe.
NEXT … Records and broadcast information
Records
Ohio State (2-1), Akron (1-2)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, Sept. 25
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
Network: BTN
Venue: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio) Capacity: 104,944
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 7-1
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Akron 42-0 in 2011
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
Well, it seems like we are saying the same thing each week at this point. The team has to play better in all phases.
I can’t remember a time when Ohio State hasn’t got pressure in the backfield. I get it, fans have been spoiled with the Bosa brothers and Chase Young, but guys who came before them were no slouches. Certainly, a team with the caliber of players that OSU has should be able to get to Tulsa right? Apparently not.
Because there is no pressure on the quarterback, the defensive backs are being hung out to dry. It doesn’t matter who is in the secondary if there is no pass rush. One bright spot on the defensive line was true freshman Tyleik Williams who was able to get to the quarterback later in the game against the Golden Hurricane.
Offensively, TreVeyon Henderson showed why he was the No. 1 running back recruit in the country breaking Archie Griffin’s 49-year-old record for rushing yards in a single game by a freshman. This kid has started to separate himself. However, don’t forget about the two other talented backs in Master Teague and Miyan Williams.
C.J. Stroud confirmed that he’s been dealing with shoulder discomfort and that may be why he’s been missing some passes high. It might be a good week to see some of the backups in action. Once the Buckeyes get past Akron, it’s Big Ten opponents the rest of the way, and no doubt all of them would love to knock Ohio State off the conference perch.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Chris Olave – Wide Receiver: Chris Olave is arguable the best receiver in the country. However, after hauling in 16 passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season, Olave was held without a pass reception for the first time in his collegiate career. Most of that was on C.J. Stroud overshooting his star wideout. The Buckeyes need Olave to be in the mix on a weekly basis.
"Ohio State produces a lot of players in the NFL EVERY YEAR."@chrisolave_'s got NEXT pic.twitter.com/1AATki6ruJ
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) September 17, 2021
Tyreke Smith – Defensive End: With Zach Harrison dealing with an injury, Smith would seem to be the guy that needs to step up and help get pressure in the backfield. Yes, Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau are going to be great, but it will take time for them to adjust to the college game. Until then, Smith needs to be the guy we saw at the end of 2020 and wreak some havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Tyreke Smith played a terrific game and not just as a pass-rusher. pic.twitter.com/KXpOG2oJbo
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) January 4, 2021
Next … How it’ll all go down
The prediction
The oddsmakers started the week by favoring Ohio State by more than 50. That number has since subsided and dropped to just 49.5 point favorites.
Obviously, Ohio State should have no problem with the Zips, however, the first three weeks have me a bit gun shy. I believe Ohio State has too much firepower on both sides of the ball and Akron has too little for this to be much of a game.
The Bucks should be able to have their way and get some backups in for the second half as a final tune-up before the remainder of the Big Ten season gets underway.
Final Score
Ohio State 55, Akron 10
Line
Tipico Line: Ohio State -49.5
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All Betting Lines are courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook.
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