Led by a two-touchdown debut from freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and a dominant performance by the defense that included two defensive touchdowns, Ohio State earned a 52-6 win over the visiting Zips to start the season 1-0 at Ohio Stadium.
The Buckeyes started slow on their first drive of the season, punting the ball away after a 3-and-out. Akron proceeded to drive the ball down to Ohio State’s 23-yard line before a botched snap and a JT Tuimoloau sack pushed the Zips back to the 41. The Zips got the ball back into range for Garrison Smith – a former Ohio State walk-on – to make a 48-yard field goal for the game’s first three points.