Sep 193 min read

No. 3 Ohio State Wraps Up Nonconference Play With Marshall

Ohio State|Quinshon Judkins — © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) will face the Marshall Thundering Herd (1-1) on Sept. 21 at noon EST at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Fox's Big Noon Kickoff show will be in Columbus for pregame. Both teams are coming off of an early season bye week, giving ample time for each group to prepare. Marshall will also be Ohio State's final opponent prior to beginning Big Ten Conference play next week.

What's at Stake?

The Buckeyes are rightfully a heavy favorite heading into the game. Head coach Ryan Day will look for his team to continue excelling in all three phases of the game. Marshall does seem to be a definitive step up in competition from Akron (1-2) and Western Michigan (1-2). The Buckeye offense has yet to turn the ball over and the defense hasn't given up a touchdown this season. Continuing to play mistake free football and building upon the new offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be a focus.

Marshall head coach Charles Huff knows an upset is unlikely. He has spoken very highly of the Buckeyes this week. Huff has lead his team to bowl appearances in each of his three seasons. They finished only 6-7 last year, but have a lot of solid talent on their roster. The Thundering Herd will look to be highly competitive all game as they try to improve and make another postseason appearance.

Key Players: Ohio State

Offense: Quinshon Judkins, Running Back

Judkins struggled some in the opener. He quieted any concerns as he exploded against Western Michigan the following week. He finished with 108 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 8 total carries. Marshall has a solid group of pass rushers on their roster. Judkins helping establish the run early will help keep that pass rush at bay. He will receive help from teammate TreyVeon Henderson as well. Starting left guard Donovan Jackson will also make his season debut after missing the first two games with an injury.

Defense: Jack Sawyer, Defensive Lineman

Sawyer has been perhaps the most impressive player on a star-studded Buckeye defense this year. He has relentlessly pressured quarterbacks and has been just as solid defending the run. Marshall has legitimate rushing threats at running back and quarterback. Sawyer's ability to pressure and chase down any player in the backfield is integral to how Ohio State plays defensively.

Key Players: Marshall

Offense: AJ Turner, Running Back

Turner has been a focus of the offense through two games. He charted more than 100 yards in each game, totaling 222 thus far. He also added a score on the ground.

Turner is shifty with small, yet effective movements. He has also shown impressive open-field speed, ripping off big runs against Stony Brook (2-1) and Virginia Tech (2-1). The Buckeye defense has shown a tendency to give up explosive plays in recent years. Turner is more than capable of making the defense pay for any mistakes they make.

Defense: Mike Green, Defensive Lineman

Marshall's defensive front is a talented unit. They are lead by Green. The 6-foot-4, 248-pound lineman has been a force this year with 3.5 sacks already. The Ohio State starting tackles did struggle at times last season. Green plays primarily on the edge and should matchup against Josh Simmons and Josh Fryar. He will provide an interesting test for the two of them.

Trends to Watch

The Buckeyes will look to get the rushing attack going early. The offensive line is at full strength with Jackson's return. This will be the first opportunity for the five starters to get game reps in together. Marshall will likely get creative on offense with Turner and their talented wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick. They could prove to be a more dangerous threat than Ohio State's first two opponents.