Every Friday we’ll bring you a quick-hit look at the game ahead for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Ball State at Ohio State
Kickoff: 12:30 PM
Network: Big Ten Network
Announcers: Jeff Levering, Jake Butt, Brooke Fletcher
History: First meeting
Info: Full Ohio State game notes
Game Trailer
Buckeye I’ll be watching Saturday
DE Beau Atkinson: Ball State has a remade roster, but it returns some talent on the offensive line. If Atkinson has turned the corner and is positioned to be an impact player for the defense this year, that should show up in this game. — Bill
S Jaylen McClain: He was at deep safety about 74 percent of the time last season, according to PFF, and closer to the line of scrimmage 26 percent of the time. Caleb Downs was closer to the line of scrimmage 42 percent of the time. Does McClain get more play-making chances near of the line of scrimmage now, or will it more often be Earl Little in that role? I’d love to see McClain more on the attack. — Doug
One thing I want Ohio State to do Saturday
Hit a few 30-plus yard runs. Whether it's Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, Legend Bey or Ja’Kobi Jackson, I want the running backs to feel dangerous. I have little doubt they'll get to the second level in this game. When they do, are they making people miss? — Bill
Rotate defenders regularly in subpackages and in time shares at position. Riley Pettijohn, TJ Alford, Zion Grady, Dominick Kelly, Qua Russaw, Epi Sitanilei and multiple defensive tackles all could help this defense if they get a chance. Test them out early. — Doug
Another game to watch with Ohio State in mind
Western Michigan at Michigan, 7:30, NBC: Try to get some eyeballs on this while you're also watching LSU vs Clemson to see if the new Michigan staff has Bryce Underwood running more. This could be a decent test for the Wolverines. Western Michigan was picked to win the MAC this year. — Bill
Stat to know
In the Ryan Day era, Ohio State leads the nation in wins by 20 points or more with 54. Next are Georgia (51), Alabama (46), Notre Dame (42) and Clemson (40.) Eight came last season. This should be No. 55. — Doug
Bell Ringer
Maurice Clarett
Field design
Band plan
Lines
Ohio State -50.5
Over-under 56.5
Picks
Bill: Ohio State 51, Ball State 7
Doug: Ohio State 52, Ball State 7
Your vote
Ohio State wins by 50 or fewer: 59 percent
Ohio State wins by 51 or more: 41 percent
Combined score of 57 or more: 63 percent
Combined score of 56 or fewer: 37 percent
Also
• Jim Tressel will be inducted into Ohio State’s Ring of Honor, the third OSU coach to receive that recognition, joining Woody Hayes and Paul Brown. Tressel will be honored on the field in the end zone during the break between the first and second quarters.
• The Buckeyes have shifted Senior Day to the home opener, and 31 players will be honored before the game. That includes 21 Buckeyes expected to play meaningful snaps this season.
• DE Kenyatta Jackson
• DE Beau Atkinson
• DT James Walker
• DT James Smith
• LB Christian Alliegro
• S Earl Little Jr.
• S Terry Moore
• CB Jermaine Mathews
• CB Cam Calhoun
• DE Qua Russaw
• WR Brandon Inniss
• WR Devin McCuin
• WR Kyle Parker
• OL Austin Siereveld
• OL Carson Hinzman
• OL Luke Montgomery
• OL Phillip Daniels
• TE Bennett Christian
• TE Hunter Welcing
• RB Ja’Kobi Jackson
• LS Dalton Riggs
* indicates first-year transfer who has not yet played a game for Ohio State
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