Ohio State fans, the wait is finally over! The Buckeyes are kicking off the 2024 season against Akron, and it’s not just any season—it’s one of the most highly anticipated in Ohio State history. There's a lot riding on this matchup as the Buckeyes not only look to start the season strong but also aim to defend a staggering 103-year winning streak against in-state opponents. Talk about a pressure cooker, right? The Buckeyes have faced the Zips ten times before, boasting an 8-1 series advantage, with Akron’s only win way back in 1894 under none other than John W. Heisman. Let’s dive into the action and see how the game unfolded!
Early Game Action: A Competitive Start
The Buckeyes started with possession at their 32-yard line, and the excitement was palpable from the first snap. But Akron wasn’t backing down—Garrison Smith drilled a 48-yard field goal to put Akron on the board first, 3-0. It might have been an unexpected start for Ohio State, but this was just the beginning of the action.
Ohio State Responds: Buckeyes Find Their Rhythm
Ohio State quickly found their stride when Will Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith on a 16-yard touchdown pass, giving the Buckeyes their first TD of the season. At the end of the first quarter, Ohio State led 7-3, setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance.
Second Quarter Highlights: Building Momentum
The Buckeyes began the second quarter determined to expand their lead. A standout moment came when Jayden Fielding hit a 40-yard field goal, extending Ohio State's advantage to 10-3. Shortly after, an interception by the Buckeyes gave them prime field position at the Akron 33-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Jeremiah Smith hauled in his second touchdown pass of the game, pushing the score to 17-3. As the first half closed, Ohio State had clearly found their rhythm, holding a comfortable 17-3 lead.
Halftime Adjustments: Akron’s Struggles Continue
As the teams headed to the locker rooms, the question on everyone’s mind was whether Akron could mount a comeback. Despite showing some fight early on, Akron’s offense continued to struggle against the Buckeyes’ defense, which was firing on all cylinders. When the third quarter began, Ohio State’s defense continued to stymie Akron, keeping them out of the end zone and forcing multiple turnovers.
Third Quarter Surge: Buckeyes Dominate
The Buckeyes came out swinging in the third quarter, eager to put the game out of reach. Quinshon Judkins kicked things off with a 45-yard connection to Jeremiah Smith, setting up a touchdown that extended Ohio State’s lead to 24-3. The momentum kept building when Lathan Ransom recovered an Akron fumble and took it all the way to the house, making it 31-3. Garrison Smith then nailed a 49-yard field goal, and before Akron knew it, Ohio State had a commanding 31-6 lead heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Buckeyes Seal the Deal
The fourth quarter was all about sealing the deal for Ohio State, and they did so in spectacular fashion. Carnell Tate bolted 34 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 45-6, and Gabe Powers capped things off by intercepting a tipped pass and taking it to the house. With that, the Buckeyes closed out a dominant 52-6 victory over Akron.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Win for Ohio State
This win was more than just a victory—it was a statement. Ohio State came into this game with a lot of expectations, and they delivered in every aspect. The defense was stifling, forcing turnovers and scoring points. The offense was explosive, spreading the ball around and making big plays when it mattered most. With this kind of performance, the Buckeyes showed they are ready to live up to the hype and make a run at the top spot in college football.
Key Takeaways
Here are some exciting elements and key pointers from the game:
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Defensive Dominance: Ohio State’s defense was relentless, forcing turnovers, including an interception that led directly to a touchdown by Gabe Powers. Their ability to shut down Akron’s offense and create scoring opportunities was a major factor in the lopsided score.
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Offensive Firepower: From Will Howard’s connections with Jeremiah Smith to Carnell Tate’s electrifying 34-yard touchdown run, Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders. They spread the ball around and kept Akron’s defense on its heels all game long.
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Special Teams Impact: Garrison Smith was perfect on field goals, nailing kicks from 48 and 49 yards. His consistency helped keep the momentum on Ohio State’s side throughout the game.
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Next Man Up Mentality: The Buckeyes showcased their depth, with contributions coming from all over the roster. Whether it was the starters or backups, everyone stepped up when their number was called.
As the Buckeyes turn their focus to the rest of the season, this opening win against Akron sets a strong foundation. With plenty of room for growth and a long road ahead, Ohio State fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come. So, gear up and get ready, because if this game was any indication, the Buckeyes are on a mission to reclaim their spot at the top!
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