If you like offensive fireworks, Game 1 for Ohio State was a lot of fun. The Buckeyes put up 671 yards of offense en route to 56 points in a blowout win over Ball State. And while it was a good showing for the first time out, coaches always look at the things that could be better, especially when there’s a big game coming next week, when the Buckeyes travel to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns.
Head coach Ryan Day meets with the media after every game to discuss what he saw and answer questions from reporters, and he did the same on Saturday at the conclusion of the contest. We like to bring you those press conferences to hear what the coach thinks about things, and we have it in its entirety thanks to the Ohio State Buckeyes X account.
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Day discussed what he saw from some of the skill position players like Jeremiah Smith and Legend Bey, talked about turning the page to Texas, how Julian Sayin looked, and a lot more.
Ohio State will now begin preparations for the massive tilt with Texas on Saturday. We’ll have more on this game and the trip to Austin as things take shape.
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads the team out before the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads the team out before the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) runs in a touchdown in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach and and current Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel is added to the ring of honor during the first quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach and and current Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel is added to the ring of honor during the first quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach and and current Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel is added to the ring of honor during the first quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a touchdown pass defended by Ball State Cardinals defensive back Sterling Smith (1) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Riley Pettijohn (5) celebrates an interception by linebacker TJ Alford (17) during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs past Ball State Cardinals defensive back Willizhuan Yates (4) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton celebrates a touchdown by wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Christian Alliegro (14) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Arthur Smith watches during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) celebrates a touchdown pass during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Former Ohio State Buckeye is honored during the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a touchdown pass defended by Ball State Cardinals defensive back Sterling Smith (1) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
The Ohio State Buckeyes take the field for the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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WATCH: What Ohio State coach Ryan Day said postgame vs. Ball State
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads the team onto the field for the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) catches a pass in front of Ball State Cardinals defensive back Willizhuan Yates (4) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Jason Moore (94) celebrates his sack during the third quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle James Smith (3) celebrates his tackle for loss during the third quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) drops back to throw during the fourth quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Tavien St. Clair (9) makes a pass in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs the ball in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ball State Cardinals quarterback Keldric Luster (6) hurdles over Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Cam Calhoun (18) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ja’kobi Jackson (24) runs the ball against Ball State Cardinals linebacker Sam Feeney (48) in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ja’kobi Jackson (24) runs the ball in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Eddrick Houston (96) celebrates with fan after defeating the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Christian Alliegro (14), cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) and cornerback Jay Timmons (25) celebrate in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) runs the ball in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs the ball against the Ball State Cardinals in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day takes the field with his players before the NCAA football game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman James Smith (3) celebrates in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ja’kobi Jackson (24) celebrates with Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Mason Williams (86) after Jackson scored a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker TJ Alford (17) celebrates in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) and wide receiver Phillip Bell (7) react after Bey scored a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) runs the ball against Ball State Cardinals in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) makes a pass as offensive lineman Gabe Vansickle (58) blocks in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) runs the ball in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes sing “Carmen Ohio” after defeating the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ja’kobi Jackson (24) runs the ball in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) runs in a touchdown against Ball State Cardinals defensive back Chris Jackson (5) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) celebrates his touchdown after a long run during the third quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ja’kobi Jackson (24) breaks the tackle of Ball State Cardinals defensive back Sebastian Moore (20) and defensive back Derek Fields (0) as he scores a touchdown on a long run during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Tavien St. Clair (9) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Sep 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) celebrates after the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
(Joseph Maiorana, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Phillip Bell (7) returns a punt toward Ball State Cardinals punter Cole Stumbaugh (32) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026. Ohio State won 56-3.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Ohio State vs. Ball State from Week 1 action Saturday
Ball State Cardinals quarterback Keldric Luster (6) throws during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026. Ohio State won 56-3.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: WATCH: What Ohio State coach Ryan Day said postgame vs. Ball State
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