The Ohio State football team will play another prime-time matchup against Toledo on Saturday. Here’s a brief preview and prediction: 

The Ohio State football team continues its five-game home stand to open the season by welcoming in-state foe Toledo to Columbus. The Rockets have lit up the scoreboard in its first two contests, which should provide a better test to the Buckeye defense. Toledo has outscored its first two opponents 92-10 so far and showed signs of a solid defense.

However, CJ Stroud and the Ohio State offense are on a different level entirely, especially with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming. According to Ryan Day, the two Buckeye receivers are expected to play on Saturday. JSN and Fleming will provide a spark to an already high-powered offense that has done a great job of being balanced through two games. 

Ryan Day is clearly emphasizing toughness as the Buckeyes’ run game is much more physical than a year ago. The addition of Justin Frye is paying dividends in that area. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams have been a fantastic tandem to start the year and should end up being one of the best 1-2 punches in the country. 

Marvin Harrison Jr and Emeka Egbuka are making their mark in this young season in Smith-Njigba’s absence. I like them to continue having the hot hands and have a big game on Saturday. Maybe Egbuka will return another punt without a penalty calling it back this week. 

But the story of the season so far has been Jim Knowles’ defense. The Silver Bullets have only allowed one touchdown through eight quarters of football. The front seven have been stout, led by Tommy Eichenberg and anchored by the defensive line. Look for big games from those units and a few sacks to be recorded on Saturday. 

This will be the second of three prime-time September matchups for the Buckeyes in the Horseshoe. The crowd will create another electric atmosphere, adding to the already momentous challenge for the Rockets. They will need a few scores early to stay in the game, but I don’t see that being likely. 

If Jaxon Smith-Njjgba plays, I like Ohio State to cover the 31-point spread. But if not, expect a game like last week’s versus Arkansas State, although I think Toledo finds the endzone at least once.