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Staff Picks: Ohio State expected to make up lost offensive ground against Youngstown State

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•09/08/23•

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Miyan Williams by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
Ohio State running back Miyan Williams scored two touchdowns in the Buckeyes' season opener at Indiana. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State got to Indiana last week having averaged 50.8 points per game against the Hoosiers since Ryan Day became full-time head coach.

But the Buckeyes didn’t come close to sniffing a 50-burger last weekend in Bloomington. They were up only 10-3 at halftime and, thanks to a strong third quarter, pulled away. Still, though, Ohio State left Memorial Stadium with a 23-3 win but lots of questions about its normally electric offense.

Well, this weekend is an opportunity for the Buckeyes to get back to their high-scoring ways. They’re hosting FCS Youngstown State Saturday afternoon in Ohio Stadium.

Ohio State has played the Penguins twice, and that was in back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008. The Buckeyes took care of business, 38-6 in 2007 and 43-0 in 2008.

Ohio State could use another blowout victory this time around, especially as it continues to search for clarity at the quarterback position and break in a new-look offensive line that includes three new starters.

Viewing Guide: How to watch Ohio State vs. Youngstown State
What Youngstown State head coach Doug Phillips said about the Buckeyes
By the Numbers: Comparing Ohio State and Youngstown State

The Lettermen Row crew believes Day, quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Devin Brown and the rest of the Buckeyes’ talented offense will handle the Penguins. Saturday serves as an opportunity for receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to make up for lost ground, and also for this Buckeyes defense to keep building momentum in the second year under coordinator Jim Knowles.

Check out our game and score predictions below:

Andy Backstrom: 45-3, Buckeyes

NOTE: The last time Ohio State played an FCS opponent was 2013. Back then, the Buckeyes beat Florida A&M, 76-0. In that game, Kenny Guiton tossed six touchdown passes, and a young Ezekiel Elliott led the team with 162 rushing yards and two scores.

Tim May: 52-0, Buckeyes

NOTE: The three points Ohio State gave up at Indiana were the fewest the Buckeyes have allowed since Oct. 18, 2019, when they beat Northwestern, 52-3, on the road. The Buckeyes’ last shutout? Earlier that season when they blanked Cincinnati, 42-0, on Sept. 7.

Spencer Holbrook: 63-3, Buckeyes

NOTE: Ohio State has scored 60 or more points four times since Day was promoted to full-time head coach in 2019. The Buckeyes piled up 73 against Maryland and 76 against Miami (Ohio) in 2019, 66 against Maryland in 2021 and 77 against Toledo in 2022.

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