Ohio State enters its season opener against Ball State as an overwhelming favorite, with expectations running high for the Buckeyes’ offensive performance. The matchup serves as an early test for a receiving corps that analysts consider potentially elite, featuring standout talent like Jeremiah Smith alongside accomplished transfers and promising freshmen.
The historical advantage clearly favors Columbus. Ohio State has won 25 consecutive season openers and 37 of its last 38, with the program’s most recent opening-game loss occurring in 1999. Ball State, meanwhile, has not defeated a power conference opponent since 2013 and has not topped a Big Ten team since 2012, making Saturday’s task exceptionally difficult for the visiting Cardinals.
While Ball State arrives with an experienced offensive line and a new quarterback capable of creating plays outside the pocket, Ohio State’s defensive improvements should prove too formidable to overcome. The Buckeyes are expected to establish dominance early, with their offensive firepower potentially putting the game out of reach within the first half of play.
The real significance of this contest extends beyond the final score. Texas awaits Ohio State the following week, making this matchup primarily an opportunity for the Buckeyes to showcase their offensive capabilities before facing high-level conference competition. Ball State will look ahead to its own Sunbelt matchup against Stony Brook following this week’s contest.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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