Bulletpoints: Akron

Thoughts on the Buckeyes' season-opening win over the Zips.

Bulletpoints: Akron

  • The way the opening drive played out was very funny in a sick way. Who doesn't love some immediate three-and-out angst at The Shoe to start the season?
  • Nothing about this game changed what I think about the team or what they can do this season. They're a legit title contender, but the flaws (offensive line, in particular) can absolutely derail them against teams like Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, or anyone they'd meet in the playoff.
  • I loved Will Howard's day. The biggest thing that stood out to me is what his mobility will do for this offense. He's clearly going to be a factor in the run game, but his ability to just evade pressure and maneuver in and out of the pocket is something they didn't have with Kyle McCord. This isn't a conversion for Ohio State last season:

He also has some serious zip. His second touchdown to Jeremiah Smith was my favorite throw of the day:

  • Howard's passing line –17 for 28– isn't the most impressive on paper, but it also doesn't tell the full story. Ohio State's receivers dropped at least three passes, and the play to Emeka Egbuka should've been ruled a TD. I still can't believe he did this:
  • Overall, it was a great debut for Howard. He was crisp, and it didn't feel like he forced anything. The lateral to TreVeyon Henderson was a poor choice, but it seems like he's probably gonna do something like that once a game. He didn't run a ton, and no reason for that to change until Michigan State on September 28, at the earliest.