Three Keys for Buckeyes in season opener against Akron

SpencerHolbrook

Jermaine Mathews by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row -- — Ohio State true freshman cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. celebrates a pass break-up against Penn State. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Nobody in, around or outside the Ohio State program is mistaking the Buckeyes season-opening matchup against Akron on Saturday for a marquee contest. But Ohio State isn't going to take this game lightly -- at all. Because while the most likely scenario is that the Buckeyes blow out the Zips on their way to an easy 1-0 record, this game inside Ohio Stadium serves as the beginning of a long road that could lead to a national title. Simply put, this game is a tone-setter for Ohio State.