Ohio State vs. Western Michigan Week 2 keys to the game include feeding Jeremiah Smith and helping the run game

The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to build upon their win against Akron victory in Week 2 against Western Michigan. The Buckeyes are at home in the Horseshoe again and are favored to win big. This week isn't about just winning but making tangible steps forward and improving.

There's certainly room for improvement. We've identified three key areas for the Buckeyes to focus on in Week 2 as they continue to ramp up before playing Oregon next month.

Key Angles in Ohio State vs. Western Michigan in Week 2

Let's dive into the three keys to this Week 2 matchup as the Buckeyes get their season underway.

Solve the Run Game Problem

There's no question the Buckeyes have a run game problem, and it's not on Chip Kelly, Quinshon Judkins, or TreVeyon Henderson. The offensive line failed to create lanes for the backs to hit and continue upfield. While neither Judkins nor Henderson are the most elusive backs before contact, neither would be confused for being as blind as Michigan's Donovan Edwards.

Kelly could get a little more creative in the run game, but that should not be necessary in this first month of action. Western Michigan allowed almost 200 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last week against Wisconsin, and the Buckeyes should continue to take advantage of the talent disparity.

Kelly was clear this week that he wants to feed both Judkins and Henderson , so look for more of a focus this week to get both into space more often.

Keep Feeding Jeremiah Smith

Jeremiah Smith's debut was pretty darn good. He would've had well over 150 yards and three touchdowns if not for a bad drop on the opening drive. However, Smith converted after a slow start , totaling six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

Not only was Smith great, but Kelly continued to draw up plays specifically geared to get him advantageous looks. With other options like Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka in their role, I think it makes sense to continue prioritizing Smith this week. His upside is the highest, so establishing Smith as an alpha before Big Ten play makes sense.

Get Brandon Inniss A Return Touchdown

Head coach Ryan Day promised a special teams return touchdown this season, and Brandon Inniss almost delivered one in Week 1. This might feel like a silly key to the game, but it's clearly a priority for the program to produce at a high level on special teams.

Considering how special teams have dropped under Day from the Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel eras, this is something that has to happen at some point in 2024. The Buckeyes have the elite athletes and coaching staff to terrorize opponents on special teams, so getting Inniss a score will show their efforts are paying off.