Ohio State football began its 2024 season with dominance.
Two touchdown receptions from freshman and former five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith helped the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes to a 52-6 win against Akron in Ohio Stadium.
Smith finished with a team-leading six receptions and 92 receiving yards, bringing in a 16-yard touchdown on a back-shoulder fade from quarterback Will Howard for his first collegiate touchdown before following up with a 9-yard touchdown on a slant.
In his Ohio State debut, Howard completed 17-of-28 pass attempts for 228 yards with three touchdown passes to Smith and Carnell Tate.
The Ohio State defense limited Akron to 3 points and 177 yards, scoring on a Caden Curry fumble returned for a touchdown by safety Lathan Ransom, and a interception returned for a touchdown by linebacker Gabe Powers.
Ohio State will host Western Michigan in Week 2 at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 on Big Ten Network.
Here's what happened in Ohio State vs. Akron:
Watch Ohio State vs. Akron live on Fubo (free trial)
Ohio State vs. Akron final stats
| STAT | Akron | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| TotalYds | 177 | 404 |
| PassYds | 130 | 234 |
| RushYds | 47 | 170 |
| Penalties | 5-35 | 7-45 |
| 1st Downs | 11 | 24 |
| 3rd Downs | 4-16 | 9-14 |
| 4th Downs | 2-3 | 0-1 |
| Total Plays | 64 | 64 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 2.8 | 6.3 |
| Avg Yds/Completion | 7.2 | 13 |
| Avg Yds/Rush | 1.3 | 5.2 |
| Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg) | 72 (2.4) | 170 (5.2) |
| Red Zone | 0-0 | 4-4 |
| Time ofPoss | 34:04 | 25:56 |
| Turnovers (Def Pts Off) | 3 (15) | 0 (0) |
| Fumbles-Lost | 1-1 | 1-0 |
| Sacks (Def Yds) | 0 (0) | 5 (25) |
| TFL (Def Yds) | 0 (0) | 10 (36) |
Score: Ohio State 52, Akron 6, 0:00 left in game
Ohio State secured its first win of the 2024 season with a 52-6 win against Akron. The Buckeyes will take on Western Michigan Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Score: Ohio State 52, Akron 6, 2:25 left in game
Ohio State linebacker Gabe Powers took advantage of his opportunity, securing Akron's second interception of the day and returning it for a touchdown. The pass attempt by Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow was broken up by freshman Eddrick Houston.
Score: Ohio State 45, Akron 6, 3:10 left in game
With Devin Brown in the game, Ohio State stalls on a five-play, 15-yard drive leading to Joe McGuire's third punt of the day.
Devin Brown enters game
Ohio State's Devin Brown has taken over at quarterback with 7:13 remaining. He has started with his back at the end zone as the OSU drive began at the 5-yard line.
Score: Ohio State 45, Akron 6 | 10:16 left in game
Will Howard threw his third touchdown pass of the game, and his second of 30+ yards, when he hit a wide-open Carnell Tate for a 34-yard score.
This marked the third straight drive that Ohio State capped with a touchdown, and it started clearing out the stands in earnest.
Third-quarter stats:
| STAT | Akron | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6 | 38 |
| TotalYds | 152 | 323 |
| RushAtt-Avg | 28 - 1 | 25 - 5.4 |
| RushYds | 29 | 135 |
| Pass(C-A-T-I) | 16-25-0-1 | 14-25-2-0 |
| PassYds | 123 | 188 |
| Penalties | 4-30 | 4-30 |
| 1sts (Rsh-Pss) | 10 (4-5) | 20 (9-10) |
| 3rd Downs | 4-13 (31%) | 6-10 (60%) |
| 4th Downs | 2-3 | 0-1 |
| Total Plays | 53 | 50 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 2.9 | 6.5 |
| Time ofPoss | 25:21 | 19:39 |
| Field Goals | 2-2 | 1-1 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 1-1 | 1-0 |
| Punts-Avg | 3-45.7 | 2-46.5 |
| Sacks | 0 | 4 |
Score: Ohio State 38, Akron 6 | End of third quarter
The third quarter of the Ohio State-Akron game ended with James Peoples rumbling through a significant hole to score a 4-yard touchdown.
Score: Ohio State 31, Akron 6 | 3:37 left in third quarter
Former Buckeye walk-on Garrison Smith has made a second field goal for Akron, and his most recent was impressive – a 49-yarder that would have been good from a much longer distance.
The kick was set up by the Zips' longest play of the day, which was a 29-yard pass from Tahj Bullock to Jake Newell. Outside of that, Akron has been pretty much bottled up when it comes to long gains.
Score: Ohio State 31, Akron 3 | 7:35 left in third quarter
Ohio State has scored a defensive touchdown. Caden Curry hit Akron quarterback Tahj Bullock to jar the ball loose. Lathan Ransom picked up the bouncing pigskin and ran it back 26 yards.
Score: Ohio State 24, Akron 3 | 7:53 left in third quarter
Quinshon Judkins has scored his first touchdown as a Buckeye. The Ole Miss transfer rushed into the end zone from two yards out.
He started the drive with a 13-yard run. Sandwiched in between was a 45-yard catch by freshman Jeremiah Smith, who one pressbox wag noted is having a career day.
Akron's quarterback leaves with injury
With a little more than 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Akron's starting quarterback, Ben Finley, has left the game with an injury. He was 8-for-14 passing for 53 yards and a long of 19. He also threw a pick to Ohio State's Denzel Burke.
Tahj Bullock has taken over.
Both signal callers are redshirt juniors.
Ohio State-Akron halftime score, stats:
| STAT | Akron | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| TotalYds | 83 | 203 |
| PassYds | 85 | 116 |
| RushYds | -2 | 87 |
| Penalties | 2-10 | 3-25 |
| 1st Downs | 7 | 13 |
| 3rd Downs | 2-7 | 5-9 |
| 4th Downs | 1-2 | 0-1 |
| Total Plays | 32 | 39 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 2.6 | 5.2 |
| Avg Yds/Completion | 7.7 | 11.6 |
| Avg Yds/Rush | -0.1 | 4.8 |
| Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg) | 16 (1.5) | 87 (4.8) |
| Red Zone | 0-0 | 2-2 |
| Time ofPoss | 15:09 | 14:51 |
| Turnovers (Def Pts Off) | 1 (3) | 0 (0) |
| Fumbles-Lost | 0-0 | 1-0 |
| Sacks (Def Yds) | 0 (0) | 4 (18) |
| TFL (Def Yds) | 0 (0) | 5 (20 |
Score: Ohio State 17, Akron 3 | 4:30 left in second quarter
With a defender draped on him, Jeremiah Smith made a touchdown catch going into the end zone, his second score on the day. Smith has four receptions for 44 yards on six targets this afternoon.
Ohio State defense records a third sack
It was maybe the one area in which OSU's defense struggled in 2023. As effective as it was overall for most of the year, they struggled to get sacks. They have three today against Akron, two by J.T. Tuimoloau.
That's part of the reason the Ohio State offense is taking over.
Score: Ohio State 10, Akron 3 | 11:23 left in second quarter
TreVeyon Henderson rushed for 11 yards, but then Will Howard had three straight incompletions. Ohio State had to settle for a 40-yard Jayden Fielding goal at the end of a drive that started at the Akron 33, thanks to a Denzel Burke pick.
Howard is 6-for-16 passing today for 76 yards.
Denzel Burke rips the ball free for a pick
Ohio State's Denzel Burke, playing a smothering defense, stripped the Ben Finley pass free from its intended receiver, and Burke has recorded his first interception of the season.
Another Ohio State drive ends without points
With 12:59 left in the second quarter, Akron has taken over after an Ohio State drive stalled and the Buckeyes turned the ball over on downs.
Change for the Ohio State football team's offensive line
Tegra Tshabola started at right guard and played the first two series for Ohio State, but Carson Hinzman has taken over at that spot as the third series is underway.
First-quarter stats from Ohio State-Akron game with second quarter underway:
| STAT | Akron | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 3 | 7 |
| TotalYds | 41 | 97 |
| RushAtt-Avg | 7 - -0.6 | 8 - 4.6 |
| RushYds | -4 | 37 |
| Pass(C-A-T-I) | 6-7-0-0 | 5-10-1-0 |
| PassYds | 45 | 60 |
| Penalties | 1-5 | 2-20 |
| 1sts (Rsh-Pss) | 4 (1-2) | 6 (2-4) |
| 3rd Downs | 1-3 (33%) | 4-5 (80%) |
| 4th Downs | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Total Plays | 14 | 18 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 2.9 | 5.4 |
| Time ofPoss | 07:54 | 07:06 |
| Field Goals | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Punts-Avg | 1-25.0 | 1-42.0 |
| Sacks | 0 | 2 |
CJ Hicks, Ohio State defense force Akron punt
Ohio State has two tackles for loss today, the latest a sack by linebacker C.J. Hicks. It's notable because OSU's starting linebackers combined for one sack during the entire 2023 season. The tackle helped force a short Akron punt, and OSU is taking over at their 41-yard line.
Score: Ohio State 7, Akron 3 | 2:44 left in the first quarter
On his second catch as an Ohio State Buckeye, freshman Jeremiah Smith put OSU up 7-3 with a 16-yard score. The drive also featured Smith's first career catch as a Buckeye, when Smith made an 11-yard grab. He has been targeted four times today.
Emeka Egbuka caught a 19-yard pass from Will Howard and also came close to scoring, but officials ruled he was juggling the ball in the end zone.
Who are the officials for today's Ohio State-Akron game:
| Officials | |
| Referee | Tim O'Dey |
| Umpire | Ken Zelmanski |
| Head Linesman | BJ Henry |
| Line Judge | Jeff Meslow |
| Back Judge | Robert Smith, Jr. |
| Field Judge | Nicole Randolph |
| Side Judge | John Masterson |
| Center Judge | Dan Novak |
Score: Akron 3, Ohio State 0 | 8:44 left in first quarter
Akron marched down the field, and – aided by a Davison Igbinson penalty – took an early lead on OSU with a 48-yard field goal. Zips quarterback TahjBullock had a 12-yard pass and a 12-yard rush during the drive.
Akron's field goal kicker? Garrison Smith, who was an invited walk-on for the Buckeyes during the 2021 season and did not see any playing time.
Davison Igbinosun survives targeting call
Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun was called for targeting, but the call was overturned on review. The play still resulted in 15 yards for Akron due to Igbinosun's late hit. And the Zips are marching down the field.
Ohio State football forced to punt
After 51 seconds and three plays that covered 9 yards (all on a TreVeyon Henderson run), Ohio State football had to punt on its opening series.
Jersey change for Ohio State football
Cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. is wearing jersey No. 3, not No. 4 as originally listed.
Special Archie Griffin coin used during today's coin toss
Today's coin for the honorary coin toss featured one side with the image of Archie Griffin. Akron won the toss and deferred to the second half. OSU will receive while the Zips defend the south end zone.
Ohio State honors the late Johnny Gaudreau
Right before the national anthem the Ohio State Buckeyes observed a moment of silence for late Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, who died Thursday night when police say a drunk driver struck him while he was bicycling near his Salem, New Jersey home.
Ohio State vs. Akron betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:
- Spread: Ohio State -48.5
Over/under: 56.5 points
Austin Siereveld to likely start at left guard for Ohio State
With Donovan Jackson out, Austin Siereveld will likely start for Ohio State at left guard against Akron. Siereveld was warming up with the starting line along with Josh Fryar, Seth McLaughlin, Tegra Tshabola and Josh Simmons
Sonny Styles to run communication for Ohio State defense
With Cody Simon sidelined for Ohio State vs. Akron, Sonny Styles has the green dot, which indicates his helmet has a speaker to communicate with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
This means Styles will likely start at middle linebacker with C.J. Hicks playing on the outside.
Did Urban Meyer pick Ohio State to win the national championship?
Urban Meyer has not hidden his affinity for Ohio State football's 2024 roster.
On FOX's "Big Noon Kickoff" Saturday, Meyer put some weight behind his thoughts on Ohio State's roster, picking the Buckeyes to win the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
"The best roster in college football," Meyer said. "The best rosters almost always win. They'll win."
What Nick Saban said about Ohio State’s 2024 roster
Nick Saban has heard a lot about Ohio State's roster and how its players have received around $20 million in name, image and likeness compensation.
On ESPN's College GameDay, the former Alabama football coach shared his thoughts on Ohio State's use of NIL funds for its 2024 roster.
"I just want to say, you guys keep talking about a $20 million roster," Saban said. "If you don't pay the right guys, you'll be s--- out of luck."
Ohio State vs. Akron weather update
Ohio State fans may see some showers during OSU-Akron. The National Weather Service reports a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon with a high near 84. The showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly before 8 p.m.
Which NFL teams are at Ohio Stadium for Ohio State vs. Akron?
Here are the NFL teams at Ohio Stadium for Ohio State-Akron
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Buffalo Bills
Ohio State football news
Here’s what you need to know before Ohio State-Akron:
- Archie Griffin remains an icon
- Best-case scenario for Ohio State
- Worst-case scenario for Ohio State
- Remembering Ohio State’s 2014 season
- The making of Caleb Downs
- Ohio State to honor Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau
- Game by game predictions for Ohio State 2024
- Bold predictions for Ohio State in 2024
- Sonny Styles is starting at LB for Ohio State
- Tegra Tshabola is starting at RG for Ohio State
- 3 keys for Ohio State-Akron
Skull Session: J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State want to change 'narrative'
Throughout the offseason, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau said at the pregame Skull Session, Ohio State has developed the reputation of the most talented team in college football. But he also said he doesn't want that reputation to remain.
"This whole offseason," Tuimoloau said, "we aimed to change that narrative (and) be known as the most violent, the most disciplined, the most hard-working team in the nation."
Ohio State vs. Akron injury updates
Ohio State will be without two starters against Akron Saturday in linebacker Cody Simon and offensive lineman Donovan Jackson. Here’s Ohio State’s full injury report vs. Akron
OUT
- OL Devontae Armstrong
- SAF Jayden Bonsu
- DL Cade Casto
- OL Donovan Jackson
- LB Cody Simon
- WR Reis Stocksdale
- RB T.C. Caffey (season)
Akron football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 31: Akron at Ohio State; 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 7: Akron at Rutgers: 12 p.m.
- Sept. 14: Akron vs. Colgate; 6 p.m.
- Sept. 21: Akron at South Carolina
- Sept. 28: Akron at Ohio
- Oct. 5: Akron vs. Bowling Green; 3:30 p.m.
- Oct. 12: Akron at Western Michigan
- Oct. 26: Akron vs. Eastern Michigan
- Nov. 2: Akron vs. Buffalo
- Nov. 13: Akron at Northern Illinois; 7 p.m.
- Nov. 19: Akron at Kent State; 7/7:30/8 p.m.
- Nov. 26: Akron vs. Toledo; 7 p.m.
Ohio State football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 31: Ohio State vs. Akron; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Sept. 7: Ohio State vs. Western Michigan; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Sept. 21: Ohio State vs. Marshall; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Sept. 28: Ohio State at Michigan State; Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
- Oct. 5: Ohio State vs. Iowa; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Oct. 12: Ohio State at Oregon; Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
- Oct. 26: Ohio State vs. Nebraska; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Nov. 2: Ohio State at Penn State; Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Nov. 9: Ohio State vs. Purdue; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Nov. 16: Ohio State at Northwestern; Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Nov. 23: Ohio State vs. Indiana; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Nov. 30: Ohio State vs. Michigan; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Buy Ohio State football tickets this season with StubHub
Ohio State 2024 season predictions
Here are the Columbus DIspatch’s Ohio State predictions for the 2024 season:
- Bill Rabinowitz: 15-1, Big Ten champion, College Football Playoff national champion
- Joey Kaufman: 15-1, Big Ten champion, College Football Playoff national champion
- Rob Oller: 14-1, Big Ten champion, Loss in College Football Playoff semifinals
- Colin Gay: 14-2: Big Ten champion, Loss in College Football Playoff national championship
Ohio State vs. Akron history
- Series record: Ohio State leads 8-1
- Ohio State’s last win: Sept. 25, 2021 (59-7)
- Akron’s last win: Sept. 5, 1894 (12-6)
Ohio State vs. Akron time today
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Ohio Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
What channel is Ohio State vs. Akron game on today?
- TV channel:CBS
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- Radio:WBNS-FM/AM (97.1/1460)
Ohio State vs. Akron will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson will call the game from the booth at Ohio Stadium with Jenny Dell reporting from the sideline. Streaming options for the game includeParamount+, CBS's subscription streaming service, andFUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Listen to Ohio State vs. Akron on the radio
Ohio State football is broadcasted live on WBNS-FM/AM (97.1/1460).
Here are the announcers for the Ohio State-Michigan game:
- Paul Keels (play-by-play)
- Jim Lachey (analysis)
- Clay Hall (sideline)
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