Akron vs. Ohio State game preview: Keys angles to watch in expected blowout for Buckeyes

Akron vs. Ohio State won't be a competitive game for long, but Buckeyes fans will learn a lot about their team on Saturday. From how Ryan Day handles the quarterback rotation, the running back room, and integrates a cast of young backups on defense, we have the keys to the Ohio State football journey in Week 1.

Key Angles in Akron vs. Ohio State in Week 1

Let's dive into the three keys to this Week 1 matchup as the Buckeyes get their season underway.

Who Plays After Will Howard?

We know Will Howard will likely play the first half against Akron. He needs the snaps, experience, and time to pad his stats a bit. He came to Ohio State to prove he's a pocket passer, and throwing downfield for big plays is undoubtedly part of the plan.

But who enters the game after Howard will be fascinating. We know Devin Brown is the backup right now, and likely will throughout the season. Brown has practiced well enough, and his loyalty to the program will be rewarded in 2024. You can take that to the bank, as I've confirmed it with multiple program sources.

However, Brown may only play a quarter against Akron. Then, will we see Lincoln Kienholz or one of the star freshmen in the fourth quarter? It's unlikely whoever plays attempts too many passes since the Buckeyes might be up by 70 by then, but Ryan Day also needs to get reps for Kienholz, Julian Sayin, and Air Noland.

My guess is we see Brown and then Kienholz. The Buckeyes will then pivot over the next month to get Sayin a few games of experience.

How Does Quinshon Judkins Play in Ohio State Debut?

Expectations for Quinshon Judkins are justifiably high. Day alluded to the fact that we'll overreact to the rushing split between Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson regardless of results, and he's right. But it's because this backfield is a big deal, and the most talented duo we've seen in college football in at least a decade.

Judkins is the better back of the two stars, but Henderson is an incumbent senior who returned to play with Judkins. I think we'll see them tie for touches before being removed. However, all eyes will be on Judkins to see how he looks in the scarlet and gray.

Judkins has the chance to be a first-round running back. His quickness, contact balance, and vision are elite. He could spring an early bid for a Heisman Trophy finalist campaign with a breakout performance in Week 1 on limited touches.

Watching Ohio State Defensive Rotation

The Ohio State starting defense is the best in the nation. Jim Knowles will have his defense playing fast and creating impact plays on all three levels. Fans want to see Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and the rest of this unit. But the most important aspect is actually the rotation used.

The training camp performances by reserve pass-rusher Mitchell Melton, linebacker C.J. Hicks, linebacker Arvell Reese, and safety Malik Hartford have all been notable. We'll see each player a lot in this first month of action, and Melton could be a breakout fifth-year senior on passing downs.

Fans should get familiar with each of these top reserves.