The Ohio State Buckeyes “marched down the field” in their first three games of the season.
On Aug. 31, the Ohio State fan base entered Ohio Stadium in anticipation for the new season as the Buckeyes hosted in-state opponent, Akron. The team dominated in its first win as they put up 52 points and held the Zips to only six.
Before the season started, the phrase, “National Championship or bust” circulated not only around the team and fanbase, but also the national media. During the offseason, the squad picked up many impact players through the transfer portal and also recruiting. Through the transfer portal they grabbed standout safety Caleb Downs from Alabama, running-back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, and quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State.
Through the first three games against Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall, the defense held teams to an average of 10.7 points per game. The offense also put up impressive numbers as they have averaged 52.3 points per game. Will Howard has fit in well with the Buckeyes offense and has thrown for a total of 933 yards primarily targeting wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and number one ranked recruit of the class of 2024, Jeremiah Smith.
Coming from Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Smith already leads the wide receiving core with four touchdowns on the season. Leading the entirety of the Buckeyes offense in total touchdowns is Judkins. Judkins has five touchdowns on 338 yards gained. Judkins has shared time with senior TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield who has ran for four touchdowns on 209 yards gained.
The Buckeyes will be tested in their game against the top-ten ranked Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 as the team will travel to Eugene for their third Big Ten game of the season. Later in the season, they will travel to University Park, Pennsylvania for a rivalry matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Then, on Nov. 30, Ohio State will host the “Team Up North,” the Michigan Wolverines, in their most anticipated matchup of the season, “The Big Game.”
