The Buckeyes notched an incredible win last Saturday, and this week the Ohio State football welcomes Arkansas State for a tune-up game.

The Ohio State football team beat Top-5 Notre Dame last Saturday behind a strong, physical defensive showing and a power-run game. The Silver Bullets are a much more sound unit than a year ago under new-hire DC Jim Knowles. The way the game was trending versus the Irish, last year’s Buckeyes may not have grounded out a victory. 

All of last season and the entire offseason, Ohio State’s toughness was questioned. It’s safe to say the Buckeyes answered the bell and laid those conversations to rest, holding the Irish to 72 yards and 0 points in the second half. 

According to multiple reports, one of the biggest storylines is the injury to star WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is expected to miss a “game or two” with a hamstring injury. That means the Buckeyes will be short-handed again on the perimeter and allow the young guys to get quality in-game reps. 

Ohio State Offense

Marvin Harrison Jr will step in to be the lead receiver, and Emeka Egbuka will be the other main target following his 9-catch 90-yard with a touchdown performance against Notre Dame. Ohio State still wants to emphasize running the football this Saturday against Arkansas State as the Buckeyes now have a new identity. 

Ryan Day wants toughness to be at the forefront of the program in all phases. Expect TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams to have big afternoons, potentially both rushing for more than 100 yards and a couple of scores. 

CJ Stroud will also get in a better rhythm and provide electrifying spikes to get the offense rolling again with big plays and down-the-field strikes. Notre Dame played a lot of two high safety looks last week to contain the Ohio State offense, which may serve as a blueprint for future opponents to help keep all the weapons and speed in check. 

However, Arkansas State will not provide a formidable test for Ohio State as it will serve as a tune-up game before Wisconsin comes to town in a few weeks. The Red Wolves won big last week, 58-3, against a Grambling team that could not do much of anything offensively or defensively. This week, Arkansas State will be on the receiving end of a blowout in Columbus as the Ohio State offense gets going and never looks back for the rest of the season.