BOTTOM LINE
A game that ended 59-7 did not seem that close. That about sums up Saturday night at Ohio Stadium. These are difficult games to grade because of the large talent gap between Ohio State and Akron. It's clear that linebackers throwing tantrums, quitting the team and tweeting profanities about the university in the middle of the game is bad. But otherwise, coming to conclusions in such an expected blowout is difficult. Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis.
Offense
Every category today gets a caveat that says, "but this was against Akron." The Buckeyes rolled up 622 yards while using two backup quarterbacks who completed passes to 10 different receivers and handed off to four different running backs. For a while, it looked like Kyle Mccord's only success would come from underhand or sideways passes. But the freshman got more comfortable and he ran the offense well. Coach Ryan Day did not sound overly impressed with his offense's outing.
Defense
The defense played fast and with enthusiasm and racked up nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss. But, yes, it was just Akron. If the regulars, whoever they are, became more familiar with the new defense, the day was a success. And if any more linebackers quit the team, there might be trouble.
Special teams
We don't want to jinx it, but new Ohio State kicker Noah Ruggles is perfect on the season, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 15-for-15 on PATS. On Saturday, he kicked one field goal and seven PATS. He also had no kickoffs returned. Dominic Dimaccio added a PAT. The Buckeyes had no kick returns, and Garrett Wilson returned two punts for minus-1 yard.
Coaching
These are difficult games to coach. Your team is favored by 49 points, every player on the sideline is expecting to play, and you have to be wary of those who don't get to play storming off the field, quitting the team in the middle of a nationally televised game and then tweeting obscenities before you even get to the locker room for halftime. This was basically a tryout for the backup quarterback spot and several positions on defense. One of the best coaching moves of the night was pulling running back Treveyon Henderson early, as it looks like the OSU offense will go only as far as he takes it this year.
Fun quotient
There's not a lot to like about 59-7 games. The third-stringers, their families and their significant others enjoy it, but few others do. They could play this game 100 times, and Ohio State would win each one on talent alone. At least the weather was nice and the band was great.
Akron Zips
The drive that gave Akron a 7-0 lead was worthy of seven Buckeye leaves on a five-leaf scale. But the 59-0 rest of the game was more of what was expected. The Zips played hard until the end, and that's admirable.
Officiating
Not much to complain about. And great job throwing flags on the exuberant Buckeyes for throat-slashing and taunting a woefully undermanned opponent. Not a good look for a team favored by so much.
— Brian White