5 things we learned from Ohio State's win over Ball State Saturday
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It was a very successful start to the season for Ohio State. The Buckeyes weren't perfect -- rarely are teams in their first game -- but the end result was about what we expected. OSU scored early and often, even with the backups, and won easily, 56-3.
We got to see some of the young guys, got to observe some changes we were waiting to see, but more than anything, got to see the offensive firepower we expected. It was a step on a journey we hope ends in really special things for Ohio State, including another College Football Playoff appearance.
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After each Ohio State football contest, we like to look back and pick out some things we learned (or think we learned), and so it is here too with the first game of the 2026 campaign.
Julian Sayin is still very accurate
The Ohio State quarterback led the country in passing accuracy last season, so we were a little taken aback by Sayin misfiring on his first two pass attempts. No worries, because Sayin then lit it up in just a little over one half of play. He hit Jeremiah Smith a bushel, found Devin McCuin often as well, and ended the day going 21-of-25 (84%) for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
The competition will get much stiffer, especially next week in Austin, but Sayin looks locked and loaded, ready to have another fantastic year in 2026. Ohio State needs that type of year from him, and so far, so good.
Jeremiah Smith is still Jeremiah Smith, maybe better
If it's possible, all-everything receiver Jeremiah Smith might be even better than what we saw during his first two seasons. Of course, we have to understand that this was against Ball State and not a high-level Power 4 team, but he was still impressive in about one half of play.
Smith was seemingly open whenever Sayin wanted to find him, and on the last drive of the first half, Smith caught five passes, including a touchdown in the back of the end zone that showed off his hands and footwork. Smith is well on the way to putting together another unbelievable season, one that perhaps will end with some major awards. Maybe even the Heisman, dare we say?
Ohio State fans, let me introduce you to Devin McCuin
Ryan Day raised some eyebrows when he said that many in the Ohio State program would say that transfer receiver Devin McCuin might be as good as any receiver the program has had. With the likes of Smith, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Garrett Wilson, that's high praise.
We saw some flashes of how good he is, though, in this one. In fact, early on, he was getting more targets than Smith and finished with six catches for 97 yards (16.2 avg.). Just when we thought Smith might not have that extremely talented No. 2 to go alongside him, it appears that McCuin might be that guy. Now, it's just one game, but the UTSA transfer was indeed impressive.
Legend Bey might fit his first name for Ohio State
Day was clearly not happy with Bey and his decisions to take the ball out of the end zone during two kickoff returns in the first half. Both were against what he was being instructed by captain Brandon Inniss, and both resulted in very poor field position for the offense.
However, Bey redeemed himself in the second half with some electric moments, with none better than the flash-and-dash touchdown where he took a short pass and ran around and through what seemed like the entire Ball State defense. There's no doubt he can make things happen with the ball in his hands, but there might need to be some patience as he grows into his role as a freshman.
The Ohio State defense still looked awfully good
We have to keep in mind the competition, but Matt Patricia's defense still looks like it's going to be awfully good this year. There were more three-and-outs than rubber pellets in the new turf, and the talent and depth are obvious, with only 165 yards and three points given up, even with backup personnel.
There will still be some growing pains as guys figure out their place in this defense, and we'll get a better idea of things next week against Texas, but with Patricia running the show and the athleticism the unit has, things should be more than just fine on that side of the ball.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: 5 things we learned from Ohio State's win over Ball State Saturday