Ohio State faces Maryland with three keys to victory: protecting Julian Sayin, creating explosive runs, and building chemistry with Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd.

Ohio State returns to Ohio Stadium on Saturday to face Maryland and try to build on its momentum before a daunting stretch of Big Ten games. The No. 5 Buckeyes come off a 31-14 win at Iowa, while the Terrapins have lost three straight. Ryan Day’s team enters as a heavy favorite, but Maryland’s defensive front will test the Buckeyes before they turn their attention to Indiana.

Protecting Julian Sayin, creating explosive running plays, and building chemistry with Ohio State’s younger receivers are three keys to beating Maryland.

1. Protect Julian Sayin Against Maryland’s Defensive Front

Ohio State’s offensive line faces a productive Maryland defensive front that has recorded 14 sacks and 27 tackles for loss this season. Offensive lineman Luke Montgomery called the Terrapins the best defensive line Ohio State has faced this year, citing their talent across the interior and defensive ends.

“It’s going to take a great game for us up front,” Montgomery said Tuesday.

The Buckeyes must communicate effectively by identifying pressure and keeping Sayin clean in the pocket. However, Maryland has struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone, allowing 30.2 points per game, but its ability to generate negative plays gives the defense a chance to disrupt Ohio State’s offensive rhythm.

Montgomery acknowledged that communication will be an area for improvement in pass protection, particularly in loud environments. Ohio State made progress at Iowa, but the line must sustain that performance against Maryland’s pass rush.

Sayin has completed 103 of 142 passes for 1,530 yards, 13 touchdowns, and one interception through five games. Giving him time to work through his progressions will help the Buckeyes attack Maryland downfield while limiting opportunities for the Terrapins to create turnovers.

2. Generate Explosive Plays in the Run Game

Ohio State’s rushing attack has become more physical as the season progresses, and Ryan Day wants the next step to be more explosive production.

“Our running game right now, when you look at the efficiency, is solid, but we want to be more explosive still,” Day said Tuesday. “We want to create bigger runs.”

Bo Jackson, Ja’Kobi Jackson, and Isaiah West have given the Buckeyes options in the backfield, each bringing a different mix of power, physicality, and quickness. Their ability to run through contact helped Ohio State control the fourth quarter against Iowa, including a closing drive that consumed the final nine and a half minutes.

Day credited the entire offense for its work in the running game, from the offensive line and tight ends to receivers blocking on the perimeter. Ohio State needs that collective effort to create opportunities for its backs to break through the second level.

Maryland has allowed 136.6 rushing yards per game, giving the Buckeyes opportunities to establish the ground game. The challenge is finishing blocks and turning efficient runs into chunk gains.

A more explosive rushing attack would also take pressure off Sayin and force Maryland to defend the entire field. Ohio State has the personnel to attack on the ground, but it must execute better than short gains.

3. Build Chemistry With Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd and Kyle Parker

Jeremiah Smith is the centerpiece of Ohio State’s passing game, but the Buckeyes need additional receivers to capitalize on the attention he will receive from the Terrapins.

Ryan Day addressed that challenge Tuesday, explaining that opposing defenses know Smith will be a primary target in the progression. His solution includes a productive running game and other receivers stepping up.

“What’s the best way to do that? A really good run game, another guy stepping up in other areas,” Day said.

Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. have already earned meaningful opportunities as freshmen. Boyd has six catches for 110 yards, while Henry has three receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns through five games. Henry’s 75-yard touchdown showcased his ability to turn a catch into a game-changing play.

Day said both freshmen have played with confidence and earned opportunities through their work in practice. Kyle Parker adds experience after transferring from LSU, where he caught 31 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. But is he at game speed? Returning from injury, Parker is expected to make his Ohio State debut against Maryland.

Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin are listed as questionable, so the three receivers could see expanded roles. Their route timing, ability to separate, and connection with Sayin will help determine how effectively Ohio State spreads the ball around.

The Buckeyes’ talent will challenge Maryland at every level. Protecting Sayin, creating explosive runs, and getting dependable production from the supporting receivers and run game will give Ohio State the offensive balance it needs to win at home.