Ohio State football didn’t come in at No. 1 in too many rankings, sitting No. 2 in the AP Poll, but it did per Fox analyst Joel Klatt.
Klatt had the Buckeyes atop the nation with the Georgia Bulldogs sitting behind them. Most polls had those flip-flopped. However, after Week 1, Klatt is changing his rankings and has the Bulldogs atop in Week 2.
Surprisingly, the Oregon Ducks, who were a top-five team to most, dropped to No. 10 in Klatt’s mind due to their struggles with FCS side Idaho, winning just 24-14.
That said, here’s Klatt’s breakdown of his rankings.
Who all made @joelklatt‘s top 10 after week 1?
He’ll break down each team’s performance and why they are where they are ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/GqelPljBrQ
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) September 2, 2024
The Buckeyes did win 52-6 against the Akron Zips, but they were up just 7-3 at the end of the first quarter and were actually down 3-0 at the midway point of the first. It wasn’t a great showing, especially in the first half, for the Buckeyes.
But, they did put it together and showed just what they’re capable of. Transfer QB Will Howard threw for three touchdowns, two of which were reeled in by freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith.
Ohio State had two defensive touchdowns as well, showing its dominance on that half of the ball. The Buckeyes put together a strong showing following a slow start.
Given Georgia ignited on Clemson, beating the preseason top-15 team 34-3, it deserves to be No. 1, but Ohio State’s time will come as Penn State, Oregon, and Michigan are all on the schedule for later this season.
Ohio State will take on Western Michigan as a hefty favorite in Week 2.
