Sep 64 min read

Ohio State Eyes Home Win Against Western Michigan

Ohio State | Jeremiah Smith — © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK

Week 1 of the college football season is officially in the books as the Ohio State Buckeyes handled their business versus the Akron Zips in a decisive 46-point victory. Ohio State now plays the Western Michigan Broncos at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 7. This game takes place inside Ohio Stadium, also known as "The Shoe." The Buckeyes are still at the No. 2 spot in this week's AP Top 25 Poll.

Defense Wins Championships

While the popular saying might be cliche, it still rings true today even with the college football landscape being heavily influenced by offenses. Despite the plethora of weapons on the OSU offense, the Buckeyes found themselves only up 17-3 at halftime last Saturday. Although the slow start wasn't ideal, the Buckeyes at least spent time making life difficult for the Zips defensively. Ohio State pestered Akron all afternoon long and forced 3 turnovers while surrendering a measly 177 total yards of offense. Most importantly, Ohio State kept Akron out of the end zone entirely. It only allowed a pair of field goals on the day. Tallying 5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, it is quite clear that this ferocious defense is the real deal.

Key Players: Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back

There is no denying that the Ohio State backfield is loaded. Even though Henderson isn't considered to be the bell-cow tailback in the Buckeyes' rushing attack, the senior ball carrier made the most of his opportunities against Akron. He averaged a healthy 8.1 yards per carry on his 8 touches for 65 yards. As the team's leading rusher from last week, don't be alarmed if offensive coordinator Chip Kelly gives Henderson plenty of opportunities against the Western Michigan defense. Henderson isn't afraid to get his hands dirty in pass protection.

Tyleik Williams, Defensive Lineman

The Broncos will prove to be a stiffer level of competition in comparison to the Zips as Western Michigan gave Wisconsin everything they could handle. Unfortunately, they lost 28-14. Right off the bat, the Broncos will try to establish the running game in a hostile environment. All in all, expect Tyleik Williams to serve as a black hole within the trenches. As Ohio State's top tackler during the team's Week 1 triumph, Williams had a sack and blew up the Akron rushing attack in the backfield. If the 327-pound defensive tackle plays like his hair is on fire in consecutive weeks, then the Western Michigan offensive line could be in big trouble.

Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver

In less than no time, the reigning No. 1 high school prospect put on an absolute show. When looking at the tape, Smith roasted the Akron secondary on his way to 6 catches for 92 yards. In addition, the freshman pass-catcher found pay dirt through the air on two separate occasions. It's early in the season, but Smith may already be the clear-cut favorite target for quarterback Will Howard and this passing attack.

Western Michigan Standouts

Jalen Buckley, Running Back

On paper, the Broncos enter this contest as massive five-touchdown underdogs. They will need as much firepower as possible to keep up with Chip Kelly and Ohio State's potentially potent offensive attack. Since WMU scuffled in the passing game, it will be up to the Broncos' offensive line to open up running lanes for halfback Jalen Buckley. In the narrow defeat to the Badgers, it ended up being Buckley who was responsible for both touchdowns. The Broncos' runner accounted for 64 yards on 16 rushing attempts. OSU will need to shut down Buckley immediately to squander any positive momentum for Western Michigan.

Donald Willis, Linebacker

Playing like a man possessed, Willis flew around the football field last Saturday determined to make a strong first impression. Without a doubt, the senior linebacker passed with flying colors as he racked up a total of 10 tackles. The Broncos need all hands on deck if they are going to make this a ballgame.

Keys to Victory

Start Fast

Although the final score of the Ohio State-Akron in-state showdown suggested a blowout, the game was closely contested for most of the first half. Ohio State's first-half struggles might have been due to Week 1 rust. If similar issues persist this weekend, then it might be time for some concern.

Deception and Trickery

Since Western Michigan is at a clear talent disadvantage, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Broncos pulled some rabbits out of the hat on Saturday. In their gridiron clash with Wisconsin, WMU wasn't afraid to get tricky with it. It will be vital for the Buckeyes to keep a close eye on Western Michigan's sneaky ways.

In a Nutshell

The Buckeyes faced some challenges in their first test of the 2024 season, but few teams across the nation had a flawless start to the new college football year. Ultimately, the hype surrounding this program is real whether people want to believe it or not. While all of the pressure to win is on the shoulders of head coach Ryan Day in his sixth season at the helm, there is a lot of talent for Ohio State. With another home game ahead, the expectation is that Ohio State ironed out the kinks in practice this week and should face no issues against a weaker Western Michigan squad.