Saturday Index
Opening game centerBringing the latest verified football information into focus.
Saturday Index
Opening game centerBringing the latest verified football information into focus.
Sat, Sep 5 · BTN
FINAL| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALL | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| OSU | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 56 |
Updated Sep 8, 3:29 AM EDT
| BALL | Statistic | OSU |
|---|---|---|
| 165 | Total yards | 671 |
| 120 | Net passing yards | 434 |
| 45 | Rushing yards | 237 |
| 13 | First downs | 32 |
| 3-14 | Third downs | 5-11 |
| 1 | Turnovers | 1 |
| 28:22 | Possession | 31:38 |
| 3-15 | Penalties | 9-81 |
| BALL | Statistic | OSU |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Fourth downs | 2-2 |
| 20-37 | Passing | 31-37 |
| 3.2 | Yards per pass | 11.7 |
| 23 | Rushing attempts | 35 |
| 2.0 | Yards per rush | 6.8 |
| 0 | Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 1 | Interceptions | 1 |
| 1 | Passes Deflected | 6 |
| 0 | Qb Hurries | 3 |
| 2 | Sacks | 1 |
| 50 | Tackles | 23 |
| 0 | Defensive TDs | 0 |
| 6 | Tackles For Loss | 7 |
| 1 | Passes Intercepted | 1 |
| 0 | Interception TDs |
Final
| Player | C/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keldric Luster | 18/33 | 89 | 0 | 1 |
| Tyler Mizzell | 2/4 | 31 | 0 | 0 |
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Ball State arrives at Ohio Stadium in Mike Uremovich’s second season with a roster remade by 34 transfers among 58 newcomers and an unsettled quarterback race. Keldric Luster and Tyler Mizzell took most first-team snaps in the spring showcase, but no opening-day starter had been named. Ohio State offers the opposite kind of quarterback picture: Julian Sayin returns after a 3,610-yard, 32-touchdown season, even though the Buckeyes’ official opening snap order still requires confirmation. That contrast makes this an immediate test of Ball State’s rebuild and Ohio State’s continuity.
The matchup to watch is Ball State’s experienced offensive core against Ohio State’s rebuilt defensive front. Tackle Chris Hood, center Cole Mosier and right tackle Tristan Cook give the Cardinals returning pieces around whichever quarterback wins the job. Across from them, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. supplies starting experience, while James Smith, Eddrick Houston and Qua Russaw bring the interior power and edge pressure Ohio State hopes can replace Kayden McDonald’s down-to-down impact. If that group controls early downs, Ball State’s new offense will have little room to settle its quarterback.
| 0 |
| 0 | Interception Yards | 2 |
|---|
| 3 | Kicking Points | 8 |
|---|
| 0 | Passing TDs | 5 |
|---|
| 0 | Rushing TDs | 3 |
|---|
| — | Kick Returns | 2 |
|---|
| — | Kick Return TDs | 0 |
|---|
| — | Kick Return Yards | 26 |
|---|
| — | Punt Returns | 4 |
|---|
| — | Punt Return TDs | 0 |
|---|
| — | Punt Return Yards | 10 |
|---|
Ohio State’s cleanest route is to make its depth felt without becoming one-dimensional: lean into Arthur Smith’s stronger run-game emphasis, involve Bo Jackson, and create favorable throws toward Jeremiah Smith. Ball State needs the opposite rhythm. Its line must keep the offense out of obvious passing situations, sustain possessions and keep Ohio State’s new defensive combinations on the field. Defensively, Justin Thomas, Ameir Glenn and Ben Marsh must generate disruption while DJ Fields and Will Yates limit explosive completions. The Cardinals can make this a disciplined, possession-by-possession game; the Buckeyes can control it by forcing Ball State’s rebuilt roster to defend every area.
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