The Ohio State football team is back and what do you know, there is some drama surrounding the team again. But, it appears that head coach Ryan Day has also gotten the memo. This year, Ohio State is on fire, defeating Akron and Western Michigan with a combined score of 108-6. The defense overall has been a strength, and the quarterback Will Howard has been throwing the ball well to the wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. However, the real test is coming as Ohio State faces Marshall this Saturday — a chance to see if the team is truly ready for the Big Ten grind.

Former Buckeyes coach Zack Smith recently opened up about the team’s practice culture from last season and people can’t help but discuss it. In a podcast with Menace 2 Sports, Smith criticized practices as being too soft and perhaps the team’s lack of aggression in practice was why they fell short. “I walked on at Bowling Green one year so I was not a really a college football player I was a coach there’s not one practice or walkthrough that we ever had in my entire career, “ Smith added.

Fueling the fire, right tackle Josh Fryar disclosed, “I never felt sleepy after practice, last year even when I was in the fighting for the starting right tackle position” To this, Zack Smith replied, “I don’t know it just does it doesn’t make sense because again you were competing for a right tackle job and you were not tired I cannot make it make sense.” Such revelation is a big issue, especially with a program that often speaks of strength and readiness.

Though Ohio State has had struggles that does not mean they are easy to beat. Marshall then had an easy time defeating Stony Brook 45-3; however, the following week Marshall lost to Virginia Tech 31-14. Marshall’s ground game will challenge Ohio State’s defense as running back Turner gains over 200 yards in two games. Will the new culture of the Buckeyes be able to withstand pressure? We’ll find out soon.

Are the changes enough to overcome Marshall?

Ryan Day has changed the pace of the practices this year and the boys are reaping the benefits of it. The defense has been on point with the Buckeyes only allowing the first two opponents to score only six points. But Marshall poses a different kind of threat. They will lean heavily on their running game, and Turner has made it clear he is capable of putting up good numbers. If the Buckeyes want to show that they have indeed turned the corner, they must stop him early on.

On the attack, Ohio State should not have any issues with creating scoring opportunities. Will Howard has been clutch, he has thrown for 520 yards in just two games. Jeremiah Smith has connected with him for 211 yards. Going against a Marshall defense that allowed 31 points to Virginia Tech, Ohio State should be able to carry on the good form. But every focus will be on the defense and whether they will continue with their impressive display. “Austin said that when he got asked about his role for the Marshall game said wherever they need me if it’s Left Right Guard wherever I need to go in I’ll go and just block the dude in front of me”, Smith added.

This game is not just about winning against Marshall — it is about establishing the tempo for the rest of the season. The Big Ten season is almost here and Ohio State has a tough road matchup against Michigan State, so it is time to step it up. The intensity in practice has increased, but will that equate to the tough, physical football they will require going forward? Let’s see!