Ohio State Opens Big Ten Play at 2-1 With Questions to Answer

After closing non-conference play with a 59-3 win over Kent State, the Buckeyes turn to Illinois with concerns at receiver and in short-yardage situations.

Ohio State wrapped up its non-conference schedule on Saturday with a 59-3 home win over Kent State, improving to 2-1 heading into its Big Ten opener against Illinois.

The Buckeyes' only loss came against Texas in Austin, where a 20-point fourth-quarter lead slipped away in a 24-23 defeat. Conference road tests against Iowa, Indiana, USC and Oregon still loom on the schedule.

One area under scrutiny is the wide receiver group beyond Jeremiah Smith. Smith, a junior who has already set the school's career receiving yardage record, has 21 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns through three games. No other Ohio State wideout has reached 10 catches or more than 133 yards, with Chris Henry Jr. the only other receiver with multiple touchdown grabs, both coming in the second half of lopsided wins over Ball State and Kent State.

Quarterback Julian Sayin has shown stretches of inconsistency early in his junior season after the departures of Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate left Smith without an established running mate at the position.

Short-yardage rushing is another concern identified in non-conference play. While pass protection has largely held up outside of the second half against Texas, the Buckeyes have struggled to convert on the ground when needing three yards or fewer.