2026 Week 3

Columbus, OH
Scoops McGee, Beat Reporter

In a game that wasn't even close, Ohio State fans walked out the Horseshoe stunned as Akron toppled #16 Ohio State 44-14. Surprisingly, it was Akron's defense that stood tall, forcing a turnover. "We didn't give up the big play early on and I think that combined with the offense really doing a good job moving the chains made a big difference," said said first year Zips Defensive Coordinator Brennan Smith. "With the injuries we had last week, we knew that everyone was going to have to step up, and the team really responded."

On the offensive side of the ball Senior Halfback, Jonathan Lyles, led the team with over 160 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while Sophomore Drew Kelly ran for over 50 yards and punched the ball in the end zone twice as well. Rounding out the scoring Quarterback Naren Herat hooked up with Dustin Chambers for a 4 yard touchdown pass. "We were really pleased with all three phases of the game today, especially in winning the turnover battle. To walk away with this kind of win at the Horseshoe is huge for our program," commented Coach Hutchinson during his post game press conference. The Zips host former offensive coordinator Lou Koenigsfeld's Georgia State team next Saturday at Infocision Stadium.