We are now 2 days away from the start of the football season for Ohio State, and we will introduce another new weekly article on Thursday where we will present our top 3 bold predictions on what we would like to see happen during the game. Feel free to share and comment on your own bold predictions!
1. Ohio State will have a special teams touchdown.
Ryan Day did announce that Jayden Ballard will be the starting kick returner for the Buckeyes, but we do not have a started named yet for punt returns. My guess is that it will be Brandon Innis, but I think the Buckeyes will return a kick for a touchdown this game. Hopefully the only time Akron is kicking off is the start of the first or second half, and not because they scored.
2. Will Howard will have 5 total touchdowns.
The senior transfer has a durability that will allow him to be a factor in the running game, and during the press conference on Tuesday, both Day and Chip Kelly presented that Howard will be a run game coordinator on the field. I can see him break a long run or have a QB sneak at the goal line to have a rushing touchdown, and he will pass for 4 other touchdowns, with 2 to Egbuka, 1 to Tate, and 1 to Jeremiah Smith.
3. Ohio State will have a slow start, but will eventually take control after a defensive touchdown.
The Silver Bullets on the defensive side of the ball are wanting to make a statement, and nothing would make that statement more than an interception or fumble recovery for a touchdown. Akron might slow down Ohio State’s offense for 1 or 2 series, but after that defensive touchdown, the field will be electric. Especially if there is rain expected, the Buckeyes will want to try and make quick work of the Zips.