Three things to watch when Ohio State opens the season against Akron
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The wait is almost over.
At 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Ohio State will kick off against Akron, beginning a season that's been deemed "championship or bust" by players and fans.
Although the Buckeyes are expected to win their opener against the Zips with ease, there's plenty of lingering questions from the offseason that will be answered. Here are three things to watch for when OSU opens the season.
How Will Howard orchestrates the offense
Although new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be the brains behind the offense from the coaches box, ultimately it will be Will Howard making the split-second decisions on the field. From finding freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith downfield or handing off to Quinshon Judkins or TreVeyon Henderson, the quarterback will be tasked with orchestrating those plays.
"I'm the one that has the chalk last on a lot of that stuff," Howard said Tuesday. "It's a cool sense of responsibility about the offense. And as a quarterback, you're always clued into something. You should be locked and dialed in every single play."
Along with Howard, Saturday will also offer first glimpses of the team's other new pieces, including Smith and Judkins.
Creating the standard and handling the pressure
Although the Buckeyes aren't opening the year against a Power Four opponent, coach Ryan Day still wants to see his squad be the hardest playing team in the country.
"It's always been about us. I know you've heard me say that a lot but you have to be focused on the process of it," Day said. "They all matter. They all count. We're trying to create a standard for ourselves. Whatever team we play, we play. And we go from there."
Akron went 2-10 last season and the Buckeyes haven't lost to the Zips since 1894. But that doesn't mean the Buckeyes plan to go easy on their in-state opponent.
"You're not allowed to have a bad day around here. It's just not allowed," Day said. "We only get 12 opportunities. All the work we put in and all the time and effort, we get 12 opportunities. So let's go play with our hair on fire, run around and hit."
Archie Griffin dots the "i" in Script Ohio
The season opener will be extra special when two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin dots the "i" in Script Ohio at halftime, honoring his service to the university and his longtime support of the Marching Band.
Script Ohio is one of the most memorable traditions in college athletics, and dotting the "i" is considered the greatest recognition the band can extend to a nonmember. Griffin joins a select group of individuals who've had the honor, including comedian Bob Hope, golfer Jack Nicklaus and most recently former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce, who dotted the "i" in 2016.
Ohio State will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Griffin's first Heisman win throughout the season.