Will Howard, No. 2 Ohio State Rout Akron; Jeremiah Smith Excites CFB Fans with 2 TDs

Jack MurrayAugust 31, 2024

Jason Mowry/Getty Images

The Buckeyes are back.

Ohio State opened up its 2024 slate in dominating fashion, defeating Akron 52-6.

Ohio State Football @OhioStateFBwon – (0) pic.twitter.com/22x4atabJa

Ohio State Football @OhioStateFB✊ pic.twitter.com/NZWjYIPDRO

The Zips actually took the first lead of the game with a 48-yard field goal from Garrison Smith. However, the Buckeyes would not be held scoreless for long.

Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 player in the nation per 247 Sports’ composite ratings, would make a spinning catch for a 16-yard touchdown.

Big Ten Football @B1GfootballAnd now we see why Jeremiah Smith was the nation’s No. 1️⃣ recruit 😲@Jermiah_Smith1 x @OhioStateFB#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/IjIvFCI46r

A 40-yard field goal from Jayden Fielding would make it 10-3 and a second touchdown connection between Will Howard and Smith would give Ohio State a 17-3 halftime lead.

Big Ten Football @B1GfootballThat’s ✌️ TD catches, and counting, for Jeremiah Smith.

The true freshman WR gives No. 2 @OhioStateFB a 17-3 lead.#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/xRDMEUI2Hv

Ohio State would pick up right where it left off in the second half.

This started with the Buckeyes forcing a quick punt from the Zips. One Smith catch later, Ohio State was in the red zone.

CBS Sports College Football 🏈 @CBSSportsCFBJeremiah Smith’s debut is living up to the hype. pic.twitter.com/5kyaVcrI5x

Quinshon Judkins would earn his first touchdown moments later to make it 24-3, and it was a blowout from there to reach the final score.

Smith would finish with six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate debut, exciting fans about his bright future with the Buckeyes.

Marvin Harrison Jr. @MarvHarrisonJr3* https://t.co/Bn4jPa9TCp

Unbiased Ev @DoubleVodkaDonJeremiah Smith is 18 years old and he might be the best WR in the country right now

Field Yates @FieldYatesOhio State true freshman Jeremiah Smith 5 drives into his college career:

♦️4 catches
♦️44 yards
♦️2 TD

He’s 18 years old. Has a chance to become a college football legend pic.twitter.com/v2MLZt5SUk

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportOhio St freshman WR Jeremiah Smith (2 TDs) is putting on a SHOW in the first half 🔥🍿

(via @B1Gfootball)pic.twitter.com/nHLofcQQgN

Buzzworth #D4L @Buzzington690That true freshman is something else. #Buckeyes

Ohio State Football @OhioStateFB45 yard catch……SHEESH pic.twitter.com/rY9is15Zo9

Grant @WaterboyGrantJeremiah Smith seems like the best WR at OSU, so by nature he’s the best WR in the country

Ralph D. Russo @ralphDrussoAPIs the best player on a team stacked with 1st and 2nd round draft picks a freshman? https://t.co/jVjjKeDbrn

The Rivalry Podcast @RivalPodAkron has a total of 97 yards on offense.

OSU WR Jeremiah Smith has 92…

Yeah, I think he is gonna be good.

Howard finished 17-of-28 for 228 yards and three touchdowns in his first game since transferring from Kansas State. He also added four rushes and 18 yards on the ground.

While this wasn’t necessarily an explosive performance, Buckeyes fans expressed appreciation for the effort and declared that he is better than 2023 starter Kyle McCord.

JBook. @JBook_37Will Howard is a major upgrade at QB. He looks really good.

Lee Harvey @MusikFan4LifeWill Howard in Game 1 as a Buckeye > Kyle McCord all of last season

Travis howard @Travishoward_7Will Howard is going to be just fine. I love what I’m seeing right now. The placement is on point so far

Maurice Clarett @ReeseClarett13The storyline of the season is going to be around Will Howard. He looks serious. He looks like he came to lead the troops.

The Buckeye Nut @TheBuckeyeNutWill Howard’s size and willingness to run is going to be a difference maker for us this season

Nick Wilson @NickWilsonSaysWe’re not even 2 quarters into the season and it’s clear how much better Will Howard is than Kyle McCord

With the win, Ohio State starts an important 2024 season on the right foot. While the critical games are still a few weeks away, showing out against FBS opponents is still always a positive.

The Buckeyes will look to continue the momentum once again next week when they face Western Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 7.