COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State is on to Saturday's game against Kent State, even though most fans of the sixth-ranked Buckeyes are still fuming about last Saturday's 24-23 loss to No. 1 Texas.
“A lot
of people’s days are made or break on a three-hour game, and we don’t want that anymore than they do," offensive guard Luke Montgomery said. "We definitely let the people down. We let ourselves down with that one. We’ve got a great group of guys and a great bunch of leaders here who have a lot of experience in games like that and it’s time now. Adversity’s hit, and we’ve got a great foundation.”
The Buckeyes are 52 1/2 point favorites over the Golden Flashes and have won the past three meetings by a combined score of 165-20, including 66-0 in the last meeting in 2014.
The defense will be looking to bounce back after allowing Texas to score on three fourth-quarter drives. Quarterback Julian Sayin will try to rebound after completing just 5 of 16 passes with an interception in the second half.
“It's about how we move forward to correct our mistakes, see what we did wrong and try to improve those and make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Sayin said. “I think we have a good group of guys on our team. I think we can use this as fuel.”
With both teams at 1-1, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is more concerned about his team than his opponent.
“What is our standard? We have to redefine it because we didn’t finish it good enough in that game, so it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, it’s gotta be about us," Day said. "If we’re executing, it shouldn’t matter who the opponent is. So we’re looking for a high level of execution.”
Jeremiah Smith needs 26 yards to surpass Michael Jenkins for the most receiving yards in Ohio State history. Jenkins had 2,898 yards from 2000-03.
The junior has consecutive games of at least 150 yards for the first time in his career, with 16 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns over the first two games. Over his past four games, he is averaging 7.8 catches for 154 yards with four touchdowns.
Ohio State's kicking game is once again under the spotlight after Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins missed wide left on a 45-yard field goal attempt during the fourth quarter that would have put the Buckeyes up by two scores. Instead, Texas drove 73 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown.
Hawkins is 3 of 4 on field goals, but the Buckeyes are 8 of 14 on field goals in seven prior losses. Hawkins replaced Jayden Fielding as kicker this season.
“We’re confident in Connor. I don’t think we can group Connor in with anything that’s happened in the past. That’s not Connor’s issue," Day said. "That being said, we count on him to make that kick, and he’s beat himself up over that kick. Also on offense we’ve gotta put him in a better situation.”
Kent State lost to South Carolina 57-0 in its opener before defeating FCS opponent Wofford 36-15 last Saturday.
The Golden Flashes have 57 players from Ohio on their roster, including wide receiver and kick returner Da’Realyst Clark. The senior led the nation with two kick return touchdowns last year and averaged 28.3 yards per return, which was fourth nationally.
“You sell it in recruiting, right? The opportunity to go play the best in the country in one of the greatest venues in all of college football and do it in front of your home fans,” coach Mark Carney said about Kent State's chance to play the Buckeyes. “A lot of us grew up in this state and get a chance to put ourselves on tape against the best of the best in this state. And guys choose this place because of that. So we’re excited for the opportunity.”
Ohio State defensive lineman Zion Grady and offensive tackle Philip Daniels are doubtful for the game. Grady suffered a knee injury during the first half at Texas and Daniels injured his leg.
Gabe VanSickle will likely start at right guard with Austin Siereveld shifting over to right tackle. Freshman Khary Wilder could see extended action after recording four quarterback pressures and three QB hits in limited snaps the first two games.
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