Here are three keys for No. 6 Ohio State against Kent State on Sept. 19:
Avoid a hangover
The Buckeyes are coming off their earliest loss since 2021 and carry the weight of having blown one of the largest leads in school history. The collapse at Texas figures to test the resolve of a locker room with a bevy of new transfers and freshmen acclimating to the program. Their overall talent should overwhelm a team trying to climb out of the basement of the MAC, but Ohio State will still need to turn the page in the aftermath of the disappointment and move on as it wraps up the nonconference portion of its schedule.
Spread the ball around
Ohio State’s talent advantage should allow it to lean on its entire cast of playmakers, stressing a defense that was overwhelmed by South Carolina during
its previous meeting with a Power 4 conference opponent on Sept. 5. As the Gamecocks totaled 645 yards of offense in the 57-0 rout, they had a mix of production with six different players finding the end zone. Four running backs had a carry of at least 10 yards and 11 players caught a pass as well. The Buckeyes have relied on star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith early this season, but their breadth of weapons should allow them to stretch the field.
Cover kickoffs
It’s been five years since Ohio State allowed any opponent to take a kickoff for a touchdown, but Kent State has one of the nation’s best returners. Wide receiver Da'Realyst Clark was one of only five players in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season to return two kickoffs for a touchdown, taking them 100 and 91 yards. Even if Clark didn’t take a return to the house, he often put the Golden Flashes in better field position with an average of 28 yards per return last year that ranked fourth in the FBS. The Buckeyes might be best off kicking away from Clark whenever possible or swarming him if not.
Key matchup
Ohio State defense vs. Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields
DeShields is the Golden Flashes’ centerpiece, a leading reason for optimism in the rebuild under Mark Carney, who was promoted from interim coach last season. When he debuted as a starter a year ago, DeShields emerged as the second-most efficient passer in the MAC, throwing for 18 touchdowns to three interceptions in 2025. But he also has used his legs to create opportunities. DeShields leads Kent State in rushing through two games with 101 yards. He ran for 74 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback win over Wofford last weekend. After Texas quarterback Arch Manning extended plays last week, using his elusiveness to help the Longhorns complete their comeback, the challenge for the Buckeyes will be keeping DeShields from breaking contain in similar fashion.
Key stat
48: Average margin of Ohio State’s previous three wins over Kent State, most recently a 66-0 shutout in 2014.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How can Ohio State football beat Kent State? 3 keys for Buckeyes' final nonconference game
