Smith and Sayin help No. 1 Ohio State prepare for Texas with 56-3 rout of Ball State

Columbus, Ohio (AP) - Jeremiah Smith contributed two touchdown receptions, Julian Sayin passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a dominant 56-3 victory over Ball State on Saturday. The top-ranked Buckeyes (1-0) began with a three-and-out, but went on to convert seven of their next nine scoring opportunities.

Smith, who had eight receptions for 151 yards, showcased his highlight reel abilities early with a 48-yard, over-the-shoulder touchdown catch. Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes and scored the first rushing TD of his career on a 3-yard run to extend Ohio State's lead to 21-0. The defense held Ball State to 165 total yards, while Devin McCuin added 97 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Ball State's only points came on a 54-yard field goal by Brody Boehm with one minute left in the half. This win marked Ohio State's first tune-up game before facing No. 5 Texas a week later. Ball State, who received $1.9 million to face Ohio State for the first time, fell to 0-2 against top-ranked teams in the AP Top 25.