Each week, win or lose, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day gives out various honors. The program grades players on each play and players who grade out higher than 80% are rewarded as βChampions.β In addition, there are three Ohio State players of the game, one for each phase.
Ohio State took down Akron, 52-6, and will likely have a good handful of βChampions.β However, only three players were named as players of the game: Will Howard, Lathan Ransom, and Brandon Inniss.
Ohio State Players of the Game Vs. Akron
Offense: Will Howard, QB
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β Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 1, 2024
Realistically, there were two obvious choices for this. In addition to Howard, true freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith logged a six-catch, 92-yard, two-touchdown performance in his college football debut. Of course, the guy tossing him the ball was rewarded this week.
Howard and the Ohio State offense took a second to get going. His first four passes fell incomplete due to a couple of drops. He ended up settling in and finished 17/28 for 228 yards and three touchdowns.
Overall, statistically, it may seem like a pedestrian day. However, once he got settled down, he was leading the offense as he should. He made a number of big-time throws. He had one deep ball that was caught by Smith that will make highlight reels but it was the second touchdown to the freshman that was most impressive.
Of course, the trait that sets him apart from last yearβs quarterback is his willingness to move. He can scramble to create more time but also heβs willing to take off and get yardage with his legs.
Ultimately, Howard had some growing pains but when he gets fully acclimated in the offense, he should be racking up the stats.
Defense: Lathan Ransom, SAF
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β Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 1, 2024
Most Buckeye defenders will likely end up grading out as champions. However, there was a clear pick for the defensive recipient of the Ohio State player of the game.
Lathan Ransom was everywhere for the Buckeye defense. With all the focus on his running mate, Caleb Downs, Ransom ended up leading the way. He finished with nine tackles and two tackles for loss.
His highlight moment came in the third quarter. Akron quarterback Tahj Bullock was flushed out of the pocket and smashed by Caden Curry, forcing a fumble. It bounced right into Lathamβs arms and he had a convoy of blockers to the endzone.
There might not be a better safety duo in the country.
Special Teams: Brandon Inniss
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β Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 1, 2024
Finally, talented sophomore receiver Brandon Inniss has been rusted with punt returns this year. Heβs a dynamic receiver but considering who is in front of him, this is his best opportunity to make an impact while games are still semi-competitive.
The Buckeyes forced six punts and Inniss returned four for a total of 60 yards, good for 15 yards a piece. Those two not returned included a shank and a fair catch.
Innissβ best return came after Akronβs first possession in the second half. He fielded the punt off a bounce on his own four-yard line, then zig-zagged through defenders to the Ohio State 40 for a 36-yard return. He has shown just a taste of how dynamic he can be and there is now a feeling that if given an opportunity to take a punt to the house, he will.