Coach Ryan Day names starters, looks ahead to Ohio State opener vs. Akron

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Game week has arrived for Ohio State.

After weeks of preparation in fall camp and an offseason like no other in Columbus, the Buckeyes are set to face players other than themselves as they play Akron at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

Coach Ryan Day, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and quarterback Will Howard addressed the media on Tuesday.

“It feels like forever since we played a game. There’s been a lot of hard work, mostly by the players, but also by the coaches, by the staff. A lot of people to build this team,” Day said. “Now it’s time to put it on the field and play.”

Expectations are high for this Buckeyes after another loss to Michigan and a disappointing end to the 2023 season with a loss in the Cotton Bowl . But Ohio State has reloaded with top tier talent, including Alabama transfer Caleb Downs and Howard, who earned the starting QB nod in fall camp after transferring from Kansas State.

“We’re going to run the team and be clean. Get us in and out of the huddle and get us up to the line of scrimmage. Be sharp and take care of the football,” Day said of his expectations for his offense in the opener. “Particularly in that first game, it’s run a clean operation.”

Howard, who joined the Buckeyes as a graduate transfer, discussed the importance of establishing relationships quickly, knowing that his integration into the team is different than that of a true freshman. But he also is looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere of a Buckeyes gameday, mentally preparing himself for this moment for a long time.

“I’m so excited. I can’t overstate that. I’m fired up. I grew up as a kid watching Big Ten,” Howard said. “I’m really excited to just experience all of it.”

The offense will also feature two running backs in Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. But it’s not clear who might take the ball in the opening rushing play of the season.

“I don’t think [Carlos Locklyn] has decided that yet. We’re going to get our money’s worth this week with the heat,” Day said. “Those guys are rolling. They’re going to need a bunch of reps on Saturday.”

The Buckeyes head coach also confirmed several starting positions for Saturday, including Sonny Style at linebacker and Tegra Tshabola at right guard. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is also expected to be among the starting wideouts on Saturday. Day also said that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be up in the coaches box during the game instead of on the sidelines.

“Being able to get organized up there. He’s got the tablet up there. He’s got his call sheet up there. He can really be clean after every series,” Kelly said. “When you’re up there, you’ve got a desk, you can sit down and you get your thoughts organized for the next series.”

The Zips come to Columbus after a 2-10 season under Joe Moorhead, who enters his third as coach. Ohio State has not lost to an in-state opponent since 1921.

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