For the first time since 2018, the Buckeyes will return to the site of one of the biggest wins in program history.
Ohio State is set to take on conference rival Miami (Ohio) on Saturday at Yager Stadium, the first time the Buckeyes have returned to the site where they captured their first ever division title three years ago.
The two rivals look much different than they did three seasons ago, with just five players remaining on Ohio State’s roster from the 2018 division championship team. Those five players, however, are all impact players for the scarlet and gray.
Kellyn Gerenstein continues to lead the Buckeye offense at quarterback and has dominated the Redhawks in two career matchups. In his two career games against Miami, Gerenstein has completed 26-of-34 passes for 422 yards and four touchdowns to zero interceptions, while also rushing for 76 yards and three scores.
In addition to Gerenstein, Ohio State returns two-way starters Dierre Blash and Corey Lackey from the 2018 team as well as linebacker Hunter St. Andre and tight end Adam Bardak. Blash has been a staple of Ohio State’s offensive and defensive lines since his freshman season, while Lackey’s role has expanded in 2021 as he has spent time as a receiver and safety.
After two years away from the program, St. Andre has returned to Ohio State in 2021 and has picked up right where he left off. Through four games, he is tied for the team lead in total tackles with Colby Stahl (28) while also filling in at running back where he has tallied 47 yards on seven carries. Entering his fifth and final season with Ohio State, Bardak has hauled in 16 career catches for 227 yards and two scores from his tight end spot. He has also found success as a linebacker, where he added a pick-6 against the Redhawks in Ohio State’s 37-8 victory in 2019.
The Buckeyes are looking to stay perfect in NCFA league play this season. A win against Miami would move Ohio State to 3-2 overall on the year and 3-0 against NCFA opponents.
On the other side of the field, Miami (OH) is attempting to right the ship after a slow start to the season. The Redhawks opened the 2021 season with back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Pittsburgh respectively before rebounding with a 27-0 win over Loyola on October 17.
Miami’s offense is led by quarterback Aidan Healy and all-purpose player Matthew Hodge. Hodge, who started the season as the Redhawks quarterback has since moved to wide receiver and also starts at corner for Miami. Defensively, Miami is paced by linebacker Norbertmary Nduaguba, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-2, 231 pounds.
After losing seven straight games to the Redhawks from 2012-2017 (the teams played twice in 2017), the Buckeyes have won the last two matchups in the rivalry. While the two teams usually meet in the final game of the regular season, Saturday’s matchup will serve as the conference opener for both schools in 2021.
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Yager Stadium on Saturday, October 23.
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