General Information
Kent State Golden Flashes @ Ohio State Buckeyes (-52.5)
Saturday, Sept. 19
12:00 p.m. on FOX
Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
The Ohio State Buckeyes make a return to Columbus this weekend for a match-up with the Kent State Golden Flashes. OSU looks to bounce back after last weekend’s heartbreaking loss and take care of business at home. To find out how the Buckeyes can sail smoothly this weekend, start reading down below!
A Quick Look at the Golden Flashes
Kent State went 5-7 last season under first-year head coach Mark Carney. He is back for his second year as head coach (fourth at Kent State) and is looking to build upon last year’s improvements. The Golden Flashes went 2-5 on the road last season, and the Shoe will not be an easy away game.
This team underwent a massive reconstruction during the off-season, adding 19 freshmen and bringing in 13 transfers. Impact transfers include cornerback Davion Pritchard from Pittsburgh, Norey Johnson from Houston Christian and Rocco Nicholl from South Florida. This trio brings significant help to a Golden Flashes team that relies on a strong defense.
Kent State is 1-1 so far this year, with a 57-0 loss to South Carolina and a 36-15 win over Wofford. Starting quarterback Dru DeShields is a dual threat, leading the team in passing yards (316) and rushing yards (101). His main targets are the wide receiver duo of Wayne Harris and Da’Realyst Clark, who combine for over 60% of DeShields’ passing yards through two games. Kent also has a balanced rushing attack, giving a total of four players at least 13 rushing attempts through two games. Those players are Dru DeShields, Mason King, Brandon White and Jakorion Caffey.
Keys to the Game
Play With Vengeance: Everyone is furious with last weekend’s result against Texas, as Ohio State felt as if they could have won that game. The Buckeyes need to use that anger to their advantage and go about the rest of the season with a chip on their shoulder. Playing with a level of vengeance will light a fire behind this team, as shown by OSU’s 2024 National Championship run; which was kick-started by a loss to Michigan.
Contain Dru Deshields: As said before, the junior quarterback is a dual threat. He will attempt to escape from the pocket and break out a long run at any point in the game. Ohio State must dial in on preventing this from happening; as his runs are a key part of their offense. In order to do that, OSU’s defensive line will have to get through Kent’s offensive line quickly and the secondary will have to keep eyes on DeShields.
Involve More Guys: Jeremiah Smith was responsible for a majority of the Buckeyes’ offense last weekend. That isn’t going to work the rest of the season, teams will be wary of Smith and double-team him. In order to prevent this, OSU must establish all the dangerous parts of their offense. Get the ball to Devin McCuin, Brandon Inniss, Chris Henry Jr, Legend Bey, etc. This team has plenty of weapons, but they have to use them consistently.
Wrap-Up and Prediction
Ohio State should be set for a smooth win on Saturday to get back on track. Kent State isn’t a bad team, but the No. 6 ranked Buckeyes are clearly superior.
Ohio State wins 63-3
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