The Ohio State Buckeyes were the first top 10 team to fall to an upset, doing so to Virginia Tech last weekend.
This week the Buckeyes host Kent State, trying to right the ship now that they find themselves near the bottom of the top 25 rankings.
Records:
Ohio State: 1-1
Kent State: 0-2 (0-1)
Last Meeting: Ohio State won 48-3 in 2007
Key Stat: Through two games quarterback J.T. Barrett is the Buckeye's leading rusher, with 120 yards. Starting running back Ezekiel Elliott has just 76 yards rushing this season.
Ohio State Outlook: The Buckeyes fell to Virginia Tech 35-21, sending them tumbling in the standings.
Although their performance this year hasn't been terrible, it's clear that Ohio State has taken a step back thus far.
The defense needs to improve after giving up an average of 26 points to Navy and Virginia Tech. Meanwhile, the offense has been inconsistent with four new starters on the offensive line and frehsman quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Kent State Outlook: Kent State comes into this matchup looking for their first win of the year after losses to Ohio and South Albama have them in an 0-2 hole.
Things aren't likely to get easier for the Golden Flashes, even against a down Buckeyes team.
Kent State has not been able to get much going offensively, scoring just 27 points combined in their first two games.
What to watch for: How will the Buckeyes respond after last week's upset loss? Chances are good that they will bounce back with a victory in this one, but how long-term are there issues? Barrett and the offense will have to get back in-sync after an inconsistent showing against VT.
This matchup gives the defense a chance to gain some footing as well, after putting up a less than stellar showing the past two weeks.
What they're saying:
Urban Meyer: we got exposed against VT (Scarlet and Game)
Did Navy game have role in loss to Virginia Tech? (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Prediction:
Ohio State - 41, Kent State - 10
There isn't much of a question if Ohio State can come away with a victory or not. But how well they play against a weaker opponent could shed some light on the expectations the Buckeyes will have moving forward.
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