The big game in this first official week of college football may be Clemson-Georgia, but we all know the season really doesn't start until the Ohio State Buckeyes take the field. They'll do it in this one against the Akron Zip in the first of three tune-up games for the Buckeyes, and given some important additions from the transfer portal this game should be a welcome opportunity for Ohio State to integrate the newcomers with a veteran cast that includes 16 returning starters.
As for Akron, they've struggled mightily for the last two years, finishing 2-10 in both campaigns. The MAC is usually a tough, physical conference that includes at least opponents who can give an elite school like Ohio State a challenge for at least a half, but the Zips probably aren't one of them.
Game Details
Fixture: Akron Zips vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Date and Time: August 31, 2024 @ 3:30 PM EST
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus OH
Akron Zips Team Review
The Zips finished 7-7 two years ago, but they haven't been able to come anywhere close to duplicating that level of success since then. They've bottomed out with a pair of 2-10 seasons, so it's difficult to know where to start when chronicling their struggles.
Quarterback would be as good a spot as any, though. Akron used three quarterbacks last year, which is never a good sign for a team seeking a reversal of fortune. This year they'll go with Ben Finley, a fifth-year transfer who was a backup for three years at NC State, then transferred to Cal for his fourth season.
That's not exactly a promising pedigree for a QB about to go up against a team that produces NFL defensive stars at a regular clip, but the Zips do have some talent of their own on defense. Defensive end CJ Nunnally IV made the MAC first-team squad last year as a pass rusher, and in Bryan McCoy and Antavious Fish the Zips get their two leading tacklers from last year back on the field.
Ohio State Team Review
The Buckeyes ripped through the Big Ten with impunity last year, beating tough opponents like Penn State and Wisconsin, and they also added a non-conference win against Notre Dame. The season was a disappointment, though, when the fell short against Michigan by a 30-24 count in their annual grudge match.
That change sparked some significant lineup alterations. Kansas State transfer Will Howard will lead the Buckeyes at quarterback this year, but he won't have premier target Marvin Harrison, Jr. to throw to, as Harrison will be catching footballs in Arizona for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals.
That doesn't mean he won't have talent surrounding him, though. Emeka Egbuka is exected to shine at wideout now that Harrison, Jr. is gone, so look for Howard to try to make that connection early and often against Akron's secondary.
Who to Watch
Akron Zips
If the Zips are to have any hope of making this anything more than a glorified scrimmage, Ben Finley will have to be accurate and productive while avoiding turnovers. That's easier said than done against the Ohio State defense, but hopefully Finley can at least keep this interesting for a half.
Akron coach Joe Moorhead helped Oregon upset Ohio State a few years ago as the Ducks OC, but unfortunately Moorhead just doesn't have the talent to compete in this one.
Ohio State Buckeyes
We'll focus on the offensive newcomers for this on and recommend that you keep an eye on Howard and Egbuka, and we'll also be waching to see if Howard can spread the ball around and keep the Buckeyes offense operating smoothly.
Hopefully Ohio State won't get caught looking ahead to their next tune-up opponent from the MAC, as Western Michigan comes to town to hopefully give the Buckeyes a slightly tougher battle.
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