In a commanding display, No. 1 Ohio State football opened its season with a resounding 56-3 victory against Ball State on September 5. While the Buckeyes dominated various offensive statistics throughout the game, it wasn't until the second half that their running game truly came alive, led by the dynamic duo of Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson.
During the first half, the running backs struggled to find their rhythm, combining for just 40 yards on 12 carries. In contrast, quarterback Julian Sayin contributed significantly with 290 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day acknowledged the challenges faced by the run game in the early stages, stating, "Coming into halftime, I don’t think anybody would have said the run game looked great. That’s why you play a whole game of football, and those first two drives in the second half, we were able to hit some things." This adjustment proved crucial as the Buckeyes sought to establish a more effective ground attack.
Upon returning from halftime, the Jackson brothers made their mark. Bo Jackson ignited the offense with a spectacular 65-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the third quarter, breaking through two tackles and marking a career-long run for the sophomore. This electrifying play set the tone for the remainder of the game, showcasing the potential that Ohio State had anticipated from him despite his limited participation in spring practices due to shoulder surgery.
Bo Jackson, who led the Buckeyes with 1,090 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the previous season, was expected to take on a pivotal role in the team's offense. His performance against Ball State reaffirmed those expectations, as Ja'Kobi Jackson noted, "It’s kind of what we’re used to [from Bo Jackson]. We needed that spark, and that’s what Bo does. Bo’s going to create a spark, and everybody else is going to do our job when our number’s called."
Following Bo's impressive run, Ja'Kobi Jackson quickly followed suit, scoring his first touchdown as a Buckeye with a 49-yard run, further extending Ohio State's lead to 42-3. The senior transfer, who joined the Buckeyes from Florida after a season-ending injury last year, demonstrated his ability to contribute significantly to the team's success.
Both Jacksons finished the game with identical rushing totals of 83 yards, with Ja'Kobi achieving this on eight carries and Bo on nine. Their ability to complement each other on the field was evident, as Ja'Kobi remarked on their shared style of play, emphasizing their combination of speed and power. "We’ve pretty much got a similar game. I would say Bo’s faster than me, but other than that, we do everything as one," he stated.
As the Buckeyes prepare for a challenging matchup against No. 5 Texas on September 12, Ja'Kobi Jackson expressed his determination to build on the momentum gained from the second half against Ball State. "Just continue to run angry," he said, highlighting the mindset that he and his teammates aim to embody moving forward. With the Jackson duo providing a potent threat in the running game, Ohio State appears poised for a successful season ahead.
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