The Ohio State Buckeyes Return from a bye week with another favorable matchup against the Marshall Thundering Herd. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Marshall Thundering Herd at Noon this Saturday, September 21st on Fox. Big Noon kickoff will be in the house as the Buckeyes play their first game following their first bye week.

The two games prior to the bye week were easy victories for the Scarlet and Gray. A 52-6 victory to open the season against Akron saw a slow start but a lot of things to build on. That was followed by a 56-0 shutout win against Western Michigan in a game where the Buckeyes got out to a very fast start and never looked back.

There were a plethora of moments, plays, and efforts from the group to be happy throughout their first two weeks. The bye week allowed for some recovery and preparation for a much tougher stretch ahead.

However, that tough stretch doesn’t start quite yet, as Ohio State welcomes Marshall who is 1-1 with a win over Stony Brook and a 17-point loss at Virginia Tech. Let’s look at some things to watch as both teams enter their third game of the season.

Scarlet and Gray Are On A Roll

Ohio State has scored 108 points and allowed just six points through the first two games. Both those numbers stick out and are amongst the best in the country.

On the offensive side of the ball, transfer quarterback Will Howard has been a great leader of the offense. Through two games he has 520 passing yards with four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. Add in a rushing touchdown, and the fact he hasn’t had to play a full game yet, and things are looking smooth at the position thus far.

Will Howard hit the O-H celebration after his first rushing touchdown at Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/hdKJypXgFS

— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) September 8, 2024

Both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are averaging over 7 yards a carry through two games. Judkins leads the team with 163 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Henderson isn’t far behind with 131 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Third-string running back James Peoples has 81 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns through two games. The offensive line has been solid and looked outstanding in the week two shutout.

Just like the ground game, the passing game has been explosive with a lot of guys getting in on the action. Freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith leads the team with 11 receptions, 211 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. Emeka Egbuka has added nine receptions and 143 receiving yards, with Carnell Tate catching seven balls for 103 receiving yards and a touchdown. The only thing missing from the passing game thus far has been getting the running backs and starting tight ends involved through the air.

JEREMIAH SMITH IS SPEED 💨

70-YARD OHIO STATE TD

(via @BigTenNetwork) pic.twitter.com/5vU0R7jQow

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 8, 2024

The defense has been flying around the field so far this season and has yet to allow a touchdown in any capacity. The defensive line is pressuring the quarterback and everyone else is picking up the scraps. Through two games, 12 guys have five tackles or more. Nine Buckeyes have at least half a sack, and two players have interceptions with one going to the house.

Against Akron, the Silver Bullets allowed just 177 total yards of offense including just 47 yards on the ground. They allowed 1.3 yards per rush, as the Zips couldn’t get anything going in that phase of the game. Against Western Michigan, the defense was even better. Allowing just 99 total yards for the game is absurd in itself regardless of opponent. Add in allowing 28 rushing yards and 0.9 yards per carry, and you’re talking about one of the best performances from the defense in recent memory.

Marshall Comes to Columbus

Marshall has found some success on offense behind three different quarterbacks and running backs. Their three quarterbacks have combined for six passing touchdowns and just one interception through two games.

Sophomore running back A.J. Turner has powered the ground game averaging 15.9 yards per carry with 222 rushing yards and a touchdown. They have 406 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns on the season, making them nearly equal yards-wise through the air and on the ground. 

Their defense allowed just three points in their opener and made many stops on third down. Against Virginia Tech, they were down just three at the half and held the Hokies in check through the air. However, they gave up 208 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns.

Keys to the Game

The current spread has the Buckeyes favored by 40 with the over/under total set at 51.5. I expect another quick start for the Buckeyes especially on offense, as they try to spread the ball around to their elite skill position players.

I could see the defense finally giving up a touchdown especially if Marshall plays aggressively if they get down. I could also see Emeka Egbuka having a big day as he’s been overshadowed a little so far, as well as the secondary getting another interception or two.

I predict the Buckeyes get a few through the air, a few on the ground, and roll yet again with bigger games looming. We will probably see more Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs highlights, and the scarlet and gray will roll with their Big Ten opener looming next week.

Prediction: Ohio State 48, Marshall 7