The opening week of Ohio State’s season has finally arrived.
The Buckeyes are a 50-point favorite over Akron for Saturday afternoon’s game at Ohio Stadium, so the level of anticipation is nothing like the 2022 opener against Notre Dame or even last year’s opener at Indiana.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day wasn’t asked a single question in his weekly press conference about the challenge the Zips might pose.
Even the Buckeyes themselves don’t have many pressing questions entering this season. Day named Kansas State transfer Will Howard the quarterback a couple of weeks ago. He confirmed that Tegra Tshabola would start at right guard, as will Sonny Styles at weakside linebacker and freshman Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver.
Here are other takeaways from the press conference, which also included Howard and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles:
Saturday’s measure of success
As such a prohibitive favorite, the Buckeyes know that victory alone won’t be a sufficient gauge as to Saturday’s success.
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Day said he wants as many players to earn a “champions” grade, which requires a success rate of at least 80%. He said he also wants OSU to live up to his expectation of being the country’s hardest-playing team.
“That’s what we’re going to be echoing throughout the week and hold them accountable on Saturday,” Day said. “Then (we’ll) come in Sunday and identify what went well and what didn’t go well and continue to bang that drum, also knowing we’re going to have to enhance our scheme as the season goes on.”
No decision on a starting running back
This is really much ado about nothing because TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are considered equals at the position. Day said running backs coach Carlos Locklyn will make that call.
“We haven’t really talked about that right now,” Day said. “Those guys are rolling, and they’re both going to get a bunch of reps on Saturday.”
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Day said freshman James People has emerged as the No. 3 running back and will play on Saturday.
“He’s made some really good strides,” Day said. “Now he’s going to put it on the field and play games. That’s different than just doing it in practice.”
Chip Kelly will coach from the booth
Day said offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be in the coaches’ booth in the press box level rather than on the field.
He said it’s easier for Kelly to stay organized and call plays from that spot.
“When you’re on the sideline… it’s hard to get your next series ready,” Day said. “When you’re up there, you get a desk. You can sit down. You can get your thoughts organized for the next series. You can communicate well.”
Day said quality control coach Tim Drevno and analysts Billy Fessler (a former Akron offensive coordinator) and Tony Johnson will join Kelly in the box.
Knowles considers Hicks a starter also
Though Styles will start alongside fifth-year senior Cody Simon at linebacker, Knowles said junior C.J. Hicks will see plenty of playing time.
“Just like Cody was (last year), I consider C.J. a 1,” Knowles said, meaning a starter.
Knowles said Styles knows the middle linebacker responsibilities well enough to play there, so Hicks could join him while Simon takes a break.
“Sonny is extremely coachable,” Knowles said. “He’s one of those guys you can tell things to once, and he gets it. We have some versatility there.
“I think all three of those guys are considered 1s and should play equally.”
Howard pumped for Buckeye debut
Will Howard played in big settings in the Big 12, but he is thrilled to make his starting debut in the Horseshoe.
“I can’t overstate how excited I am,” he said. “I’ve played in a lot of places at this point in my career. I’ve played in front of hundreds of thousands, but the Shoe and the atmosphere here, it’s different, man. I’m really excited to experience all of it.”
Day told Howard he’d won the starting job on Aug. 15.
“It’s a privilege and I don’t take it lightly,” Howard said. “There’s a lot of really good players in that (quarterback) room, and to be named the starter in a group like we have is an honor.
“I’m humbled. I’m blessed. It’s going to be fun.”
