​AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 12: Linebacker Christian Alliegro #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes screams after his team recovers a fumble on the first play from scrimmage during the college football game the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 12, 2026, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images First downPlayers to watch for Kent State1) Dru DeShieldsThe junior quarterback impressed last season, tossing 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Along with his ability to throw the football, DeShields also is a threat to run the football, as evidenced by his three rushing touchdowns in 2025.This season got off to a rough start for DeShields, throwing for just 63 yards against South Carolina. DeShields rebounded by not only throwing for 263 yards and a touchdown last week but adding 74 yards rushing and two scores in the win over Wofford.If DeShields can put together a strong game against Ohio state he could spark some transfer portal interest from Power 4 schools after the season. 2) Da’Realyst ClarkKent State’s most dynamic player is wide receiver Da’Realyst Clark. As a junior, Clark made noise as a kick returner, averaging 28.3 yards per return and bringing back two kicks for touchdowns. Clark’s performance on special teams will only improve this year since the Golden Flashes brought in Josh Cribbs as a special teams coach.Clark’s role as a wide receiver has expanded this season. Last year Clark caught just three passes. So far as a senior, Clark already has six catches. Last week was Clark’s best game as a receiver, finishing with 94 yards on four receptions in the win over Wofford.3) Rocco NichollThe leader of the Kent State defense is linebacker Rocco Nicholl. The senior already has 13 tackles and two sacks in 2026. Nicholl is hoping to finish out his college career with a strong season after he was limited to just three games last year.Nicholl had entered the 2025 season with high hopes after recording 61 tackles in 2024, including four games with at least 10 tackles. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Nicholl’s size makes him tough to keep away from the football as he can’t be overpowered by blockers.Second downKeys for Ohio State1) Put the loss to Texas behind themLuckily for Ohio State they are playing a team they should easily beat this week. The Buckeyes were in a similar situation 12 years ago when they were coming off a loss to Virginia Tech and beat up on the Golden Flashes 66-0.Unlike 2014 when it felt like Ohio State’s shot at making the first College Football Playoff was already cooked, now that the playoff field is at 12 teams the Buckeyes have margin for error. The loss to the Longhorns was still tough to swallow considering how tough the schedule is for Ohio State.The goal for this week should be try and address what failed them against Texas but also not dwell on it. Get off to a fast start and put