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The Buckeyes are back.
Ohio State opened up its 2024 slate in dominating fashion, defeating Akron 52-6.
Ohio State Football @OhioStateFB
won – (0) pic.twitter.com/22x4atabJa
Ohio State Football @OhioStateFB
✊ pic.twitter.com/NZWjYIPDRO
The Zips actually took the first lead of the game with a 48-yard field goal from Garrison Smith. However, the Buckeyes would not be held scoreless for long.
Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 player in the nation per 247 Sports’ composite ratings, would make a spinning catch for a 16-yard touchdown.
Big Ten Football @B1Gfootball
And now we see why Jeremiah Smith was the nation’s No. 1️⃣ recruit 😲@Jermiah_Smith1 x @OhioStateFB#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/IjIvFCI46r
A 40-yard field goal from Jayden Fielding would make it 10-3 and a second touchdown connection between Will Howard and Smith would give Ohio State a 17-3 halftime lead.
Big Ten Football @B1Gfootball
That’s ✌️ TD catches, and counting, for Jeremiah Smith.
The true freshman WR gives No. 2 @OhioStateFB a 17-3 lead.#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/xRDMEUI2Hv
Ohio State would pick up right where it left off in the second half.
This started with the Buckeyes forcing a quick punt from the Zips. One Smith catch later, Ohio State was in the red zone.
CBS Sports College Football 🏈 @CBSSportsCFB
Jeremiah Smith’s debut is living up to the hype. pic.twitter.com/5kyaVcrI5x
Quinshon Judkins would earn his first touchdown moments later to make it 24-3, and it was a blowout from there to reach the final score.
Smith would finish with six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut, exciting fans about his bright future with the Buckeyes.
Marvin Harrison Jr. @MarvHarrisonJr
3* https://t.co/Bn4jPa9TCp
Unbiased Ev @DoubleVodkaDon
Jeremiah Smith is 18 years old and he might be the best WR in the country right now
Field Yates @FieldYates
Ohio State true freshman Jeremiah Smith 5 drives into his college career:
♦️4 catches
♦️44 yards
♦️2 TDHe’s 18 years old. Has a chance to become a college football legend pic.twitter.com/v2MLZt5SUk
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Ohio St freshman WR Jeremiah Smith (2 TDs) is putting on a SHOW in the first half 🔥🍿
(via @B1Gfootball)pic.twitter.com/nHLofcQQgN
Buzzworth #D4L @Buzzington690
That true freshman is something else. #Buckeyes
Ohio State Football @OhioStateFB
45 yard catch……SHEESH pic.twitter.com/rY9is15Zo9
Grant @WaterboyGrant
Jeremiah Smith seems like the best WR at OSU, so by nature he’s the best WR in the country
Ralph D. Russo @ralphDrussoAP
Is the best player on a team stacked with 1st and 2nd round draft picks a freshman? https://t.co/jVjjKeDbrn
The Rivalry Podcast @RivalPod
Akron has a total of 97 yards on offense.
OSU WR Jeremiah Smith has 92…
Yeah, I think he is gonna be good.
Howard finished 17-of-28 for 228 yards and three touchdowns in his first game since transferring from Kansas State. He also added four rushes and 18 yards on the ground.
While this wasn’t necessarily an explosive performance, Buckeyes fans expressed appreciation for the effort and declared that he is better than 2023 starter Kyle McCord.
JBook. @JBook_37
Will Howard is a major upgrade at QB. He looks really good.
Lee Harvey @MusikFan4Life
Will Howard in Game 1 as a Buckeye> Kyle McCord all of last season
Travis howard @Travishoward_7
Will Howard is going to be just fine. I love what I’m seeing right now. The placement is on point so far
Maurice Clarett @ReeseClarett13
The storyline of the season is going to be around Will Howard. He looks serious. He looks like he came to lead the troops.
The Buckeye Nut @TheBuckeyeNut
Will Howard’s size and willingness to run is going to be a difference maker for us this season
Nick Wilson @NickWilsonSays
We’re not even 2 quarters into the season and it’s clear how much better Will Howard is than Kyle McCord
With the win, Ohio State starts an important 2024 season on the right foot. While the critical games are still a few weeks away, showing out against FBS opponents is still always a positive.
The Buckeyes will look to continue the momentum once again next week when they face Western Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 7.