By the Numbers: Comparing Ohio State and Youngstown State

COLUMBUS — Look, it’s no secret that Ohio State will probably have its way with in-state FCS foe Youngstown State Saturday during the Buckeyes’ home opener.

After all, Ohio State beat the Penguins 38-6 and 43-0 in the schools’ first two meetings back in 2007 and 2008.

But it’s still worth examining what kind of team the Buckeyes will be up against this time around. Youngstown State is off to a solid start under fourth-year head coach Doug Phillips. The Penguins are coming off a 7-4 season and, more recently, a 52-point outburst against Valparaiso, during which they rushed for more than 300 yards and exploded for four touchdowns in the third quarter.

Ohio State, meanwhile, scored two touchdowns all game last weekend at Indiana. Of course, there’s a difference in levels and circumstances there, but the point is that Ohio State could use a “get right” game offensively.

Lettermen Row will be stacking up Ohio State and its opponents all season. With only one week in the books, this edition of the season series is less helpful, however, it does provide some insight on (1) where the Buckeyes stand in the Big Ten through one game of action and (2) how Youngstown State fares nationally on the FCS level after Week 1.

So here’s how Ohio State and Youngstown State compare, by the numbers.

Scoring Offense

Buckeyes: 23.0 points per game (91st nationally in FBS, 10th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 52.0 points per game (5th nationally in FCS)

Total Offense

Buckeyes: 380.0 yards per game (72nd nationally in FBS, 6th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 471.0 yards per game (16th nationally in FCS)

Passing Offense

Buckeyes: 237.0 yards per game (66th nationally in FBS, 6th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 169.0 yards per game (T-65th nationally in FCS)

Rushing Offense

Buckeyes: 143.0 yards per game (T-73rd nationally in FBS, 6th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 302.0 yards per game (3rd nationally in FCS)

Scoring Defense

Buckeyes: 3.0 points per game allowed (T-6th nationally in FBS, T-1st Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 10 points per game allowed (T-11th nationally)

Total Defense

Buckeyes: 153.0 yards per game allowed (4th nationally in FBS, 1st Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 195.0 yards per game allowed (7th nationally in FCS)

Passing Defense

Buckeyes: 82.0 yards per game allowed (9th nationally in FBS, 1st Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 155.0 yards per game allowed (T-27th nationally in FCS)

Rushing Defense

Buckeyes: 71.0 yards per game allowed (27th nationally in FBS, 3rd Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 40.0 yards per game allowed (5th nationally in FCS)

3rd Down Conversion

Buckeyes: 16.67% (125th nationally in FBS, 14th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 54.5% (T-12th nationally in FCS)

Opponent 3rd Down Conversion

Buckeyes: 33.33% (T-55th nationally in FBS, T-6th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 30.8% (T-33rd nationally in FCS)

Sacks Per Game

Buckeyes: 1.00 (T-77th nationally in FBS, T-8th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 5.00 (T-3rd nationally in FCS)

Sacks Allowed Per Game

Buckeyes: 0.00 (T-1st nationally in FBS, T-1st Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 1.00 (T-21st nationally in FCS)

Turnover Margin Per Game

Buckeyes: -1.00 (T-80th nationally in FBS, T-11th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 3.00 (T-6th nationally in FCS)

Time of Possession

Buckeyes: 31:55.00 (T-44th nationally in FBS, 5th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 34:29.00 (13th nationally in FCS)

Penalties Per Game

Buckeyes: 5.0 (T-49th nationally in FBS, T-7th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 8.0 (T-75th nationally in FCS)

Punt Average

Buckeyes: 45.75 (44th nationally in FBS, 5th Big Ten)
Youngstown State: 42.33 (17th nationally in FCS)