Ohio State passed its first big test of the year with a gritty 14–7 win over No. 1 Texas. Now comes the opposite type of challenge: a Week 2 matchup against Grambling State, where the Buckeyes are expected to control the game from start to finish. That doesn’t mean the week isn’t important. With Big Ten play looming, Saturday is about correcting mistakes, building rhythm, and getting younger players experience. Here are the key questions heading into the Grambling game:

1. Can the run game find its rhythm?
Against Texas, the Buckeyes managed just 77 rushing yards on 34 carries. CJ Donaldson Jr. scored at the goal line and ran hard, but there wasn’t much room to work. James Peoples flashed in spurts but couldn’t consistently get going. Against Grambling, Ohio State needs to establish push up front, clean up assignments, and build confidence in its running backs. It doesn’t matter if the opponent is overmatched—this is about reps and muscle memory.

2. How much will Ryan Day open up the playbook for Julian Sayin?
Sayin’s debut was by design: 13-for-20, 126 yards, 1 TD, no turnovers. The plan was conservative, and it worked. But Week 2 is a chance to let him stretch the field a little more. Building timing with Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Max Klare is key, and this is a perfect stage to get Sayin more comfortable with tempo, quick reads, and downfield shots.

3. Will we see more explosive plays?
The Buckeyes’ longest play against Texas was Tate’s 40-yard touchdown. Outside of that, everything was underneath. That was fine in a grinder, but Ohio State’s identity under Day has always included chunk plays. This week should be an opportunity to get multiple receivers loose and show balance between the deep passing game and the run.

4. Can the offensive line assert itself?
Both touchdowns against Texas came because of grit—an 80-yard, 13-play drive capped by Donaldson and then Sayin’s dime under pressure. But the line struggled to create consistent lanes. Grambling’s front won’t compare to Texas, but that makes it even more important for the line to dominate. Communication, double teams, and chemistry all need polish before Big Ten battles.

5. Does the defense keep its edge?
Matt Patricia’s debut was a success: holding Arch Manning and Texas to 7 points, forcing 1-of-5 on fourth downs, and winning in the red zone. Still, this week is about consistency. Can the pass rush pin its ears back and finish plays? Can the secondary stay disciplined when the game gets lopsided? Ohio State should rotate heavy, but the expectation is suffocating defense from starters and backups alike.

What are your top questions entering Ohio State vs. Grambling?

Photo Credit: The Columbus Dispatch