Instant thoughts on Ohio State football: Is slow start a sign of trouble? | Oller
What do Ohio State and NBA games have in common? You can miss the first half and not miss much.
Reminiscent of last season, the Buckeyes’ offense again got out to a slow start but eventually turned on the jets for the easy 52-6 win over Akron. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is indeed a rare talent, transfer quarterback Will Howard showed enough upside that few fans were longing for Kyle McCord, and the OSU defense was almost as good as advertised, although the long sought-after shutout remained elusive.
Maybe the biggest highlight was no OSU player was seriously injured, although we may never know, given how injury information is guarded like a nuclear secret.
Offensive line still not bulldozer-caliber
Ohio State’s two worries entering the season were quarterback and offensive line, but transfer Howard was less of a concern than the O-line. At least he proved his talent at Kansas State. The line proved last season it was a weak link.
After watching OSU struggle on the ground for nearly three quarters against Akron (87 yards, 4.8 average), the questions continue. The running game finished with 172 yards for a 5.4 average. True, starting left tackle Donovan Jackson sat out with an undisclosed injury or illness, which is not insignificant. But it remains that the line looked average at best against the Zips (though it was the first time OSU has not allowed a sack since 2022).
Akron’s defensive line is the strength of its team, but the Buckeyes’ second- and even third-teamers should be able to go toe-to-toe against lesser Mid-American Conference talent and come out ahead.
Jeremiah Smith looks like real deal
Even five-star recruits are allowed to have jitters in their first game in the Horseshoe. And freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith sure did, dropping his first pass – right in his hands – in front of 102,011 in Ohio Stadium.
Then the 18-year-old Floridian showed why he is going to be special. Check that, already is special.
Smith, who became the second true freshman to start an opener at wide receiver since Gary Williams in 1979, has the speed, moves and hands to keep defensive coordinators awake at night. He finished with six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
What is up with the slow starts?
Well, apparently last season’s slow starts were not an anomaly. Ohio State struggled a year ago to put up points in the first quarter, and the trend continued against the Zips, who were picked to finish near the bottom of the MAC. The Buckeyes trailed 3-0 before scoring on a 16-yard Jeremiah Smith end zone catch to make it 7-3 with 2:44 left in the first. They only led 17-3 at halftime. Last season, OSU averaged 5.3 points in the first quarter and allowed 3.1, so I guess you can call this “improvement,” but to whom much is given much is expected. Fans undoubtedly expected offensive fireworks from the jump.
Special seeing Archie Griffin dot the ‘i.’
Watching Mr. Two-Time Heisman winner Archie Griffin enjoy being the ceremonial ‘i’ dotter during halftime’s performance of Script Ohio was special.
The 70-year-old former Ohio State tailback bowed to fans in the East and West stands before singing along to the fight song and forming the O-H-I-O with his arms. Honestly, could there be a better school ambassador than No. 45?
Griffin, who became the first former varsity OSU player to dot the ‘i,’ won the first of his two Heismans 50 years ago this season. My only question for Ohio State is what took so long, considering other celebrity “dotters” have included Bob Hope, Buster Douglas, Jack Nicklaus, Les Wexner, Woody Hayes, Gordon Gee and Earle Bruce.
Did OSU play caller Chip Kelly forget about tight ends?
The Buckeyes attempted 31 passes, but only one to a tight end (Will Kacmarek), who was unable to haul in the catch.
Quite a switch from the last few seasons, when the tight end was an instrumental part of the offense.
Maybe it’s no big deal. After all, the offense put up 234 yards passing. Or maybe it suggests the position is not as important – or filled with talent – as it has been over the past decade.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football vs Akron: Another slow start a sign of trouble?
