Ohio State's dominant but predictable 56-3 win over Ball State was hardly the story after Week 1 was done.
Arthur Smith masterfully game-planned a dominant effort that spotlighted Jeremiah Smith and Devin McCuin on the outside, plus a steady stream of carries from Bo Jackson, Ja'Kobi Jackson, Isaiah West, and Legend Bey out of the backfield. Matt Patricia matched that with a similarly aggressive pass rush and strong coverage.
What else was going to happen?
One of the more intriguing storylines was Bey and the way he was treated by Ryan Day. After all, Bey was used on offense on multiple levels and on special teams. He clearly has plenty of responsibility as a freshman waiting for him in Columbus.
If he can clean up his act. He didn't exactly have a quiet offseason, after all.
Bey had 100 yards against the Cardinals -- six carries for 37 rushing yards, a pair of catches for 37 yards and a touchdown, and 26 return yards on a pair of kickoff returns -- but made a key mistake on his kickoff reps. Brandon Inniss repeatedly signaled for him to take a touchback in the end zone on one play, but Bey defied the Block "O" captain and made it back to the 10.
Day was sassy in explaining to the sideline reporter that Bey needed to kneel there. He visibly rolled his eyes.
Ryan Day still high on Legend Bey despite kickoff mistake
Day noted the talent was still there. It certainly doesn't sound like he's too upset.
“He’s got a good attitude when it comes to being corrected ... It’s his job to continue to work to get better," Day said postgame.
As long as Day feels the running back is still making strides to improve and is respecting the coaching staff, it sounds as though he'll have the chance to contribute.
Bey simply wanted to make big plays, though perhaps he now realizes the athletic difference at the FBS level.
Ja'Kobi Jackson threatens Legend Bey's immediate lane to snaps
Ja'Kobi Jackson's emergence is the most troubling trend for Bey's sake. While Bey will always get some sort of opportunity because of his versatility, Jackson is looking like a possible option to be the RB2 behind Bo Jackson.
At least he did against a MAC team. Perhaps Texas in Week 2 will tell a truer tale of what this room's pecking order is. A big week of practice awaits.
Ja'Kobi Jackson stamped his claim for snaps against the Longhorns next weekend with a 49-yard touchdown run that was perhaps the most impressive run of the day, though. He averaged almost five yards per carry otherwise.
Legend Bey must answer Ryan Day's call-out
Bey still has the benefit of Day's belief in his raw talent. How he responds to the public call-out in practice will be massive.
Day is being tough on Bey because he sees greatness. The cogs will still turn, and the team will still win games even if Bey doesn't develop into a bona fide star, but his ceiling is intriguing enough to want to see it reached. It may unlock a new level for the Scarlet and Gray.
Bey has everything in front of him if he can grab the brass ring. Don't get it twisted: Day is only this frustrated because he wants to have just as strong a proud reaction when Bey improves.
We'll see if Bey has it in him over the new few weeks and months.
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