Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a 59-7 victory over the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game marked a dominant performance by the Buckeyes, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, while the defense stifled Akron’s efforts after an early score.

Ohio State entered the game as heavy favorites and quickly asserted control after Akron opened the scoring with a first-quarter touchdown. The Buckeyes responded with 52 unanswered points, showing their depth and firepower despite starting a true freshman quarterback, Kyle McCord, due to the absence of regular starter C.J. Stroud (resting a shoulder injury).

McCord, making his collegiate debut, showed poise after a slow start, leading multiple scoring drives. Meanwhile, the Ohio State defense, which had struggled in previous weeks, put together an improved performance, highlighted by nine sacks and an interception.

Key Player Performances

• Kyle McCord (QB): The freshman completed 13 of 18 passes for 319 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in his first career start. His performance helped Ohio State maintain its explosive passing attack even in Stroud’s absence.
• TreVeyon Henderson (RB): While limited in carries due to game flow, Henderson continued his strong freshman campaign, contributing to the Buckeyes’ offensive production.
• Miyan Williams & Master Teague (RBs): The two backs combined for significant rushing yardage, adding multiple touchdowns on the ground.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba & Emeka Egbuka (WRs): Both wide receivers had standout moments, with Smith-Njigba scoring a touchdown and Egbuka making big plays, including a long reception.
• Defensive Standouts: J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, both highly touted freshmen, recorded sacks, while the defensive line, led by Haskell Garrett, overwhelmed Akron’s offensive line.

Historical and Statistical Notes

• Ohio State recorded nine sacks, the most in a game since 2007, showcasing a rejuvenated defensive effort.
• The Buckeyes’ 622 total yards reflected their offensive dominance.
• Akron was held to less than 250 total yards, with just 79 passing yards.

This game served as an opportunity for Ohio State to experiment with younger players while resting key starters. The performance, particularly on defense, was a step forward after early-season struggles. McCord showed flashes of potential but also areas for growth, while the running game remained a focal point. The Buckeyes used this game to build momentum before heading into Big Ten play, while Akron struggled to compete against Ohio State’s superior talent.