Ball State at Ohio State

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.

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.