COLUMBUS – The University of Akron football team (1-1) turned in a strong defensive effort which featured five forced turnovers and the team's first safety since 2001, but No.11 Ohio State proved too much in the second half as the Buckeyes pulled out a 20-2 victory Saturday afternoon before 104,317 at Ohio Stadium.

Akron forced a three-and-out on Ohio State’s first possession. While the Zips’ offense had early success, getting to the Buckeye 37, a penalty on second and two changed the complexion of the drive and UA would have to punt. Sophomore punter John Stec, who would set a school record with 14 punts, registered the first of many big plays as his punt covered 40 yards and was downed on the OSU two yard line.

On OSU’s first play after Stec’s punt, Zips’ senior linebacker Brion Stokes wrestled down OSU running back Chris Wells in the endzone with 10:12 remaining in the first quarter to give the Zips a 2-0 lead with the safety. (The play on the field had Weels getting out of the endzone, but video replay reversed the call resulting in the safety.)

The teams traded punts the remainder of the first quarter. However, as the period came to a close, the Buckeye offense began to march down the field. Reigning MAC East Defensive Player of the Week Reggie Corner created the first of Akron’s five turnovers with an interception.

Akron’s ensuing drive ended in a 52-yard Stec punt. Two plays later, Corner once again came up big tipping a Todd Boeckman pass which came down in the hands of UA senior defensive back John Mackey for his second career pick.

After an Akron punt, Ohio State put together a steady drive, ending with a 37-yard Ryan Pretorious field goal, putting the Buckeyes up 3-2. That would be the score at the break. However, OSU had one final attempt to score late in the first half only to see UA senior Yamari Dixon force a fumble on a punt return, which Doug Williams recovered.

On Ohio State’s first drive of the second half, Pretorious converted a 33-yard field goal for a 6-2 OSU lead. The Buckeyes would pad their lead, going up 13-2, on their second possession of the second half as OSU quarterback Boeckman found Brandon Saine in the endzone for a six-yard TD.

As the fourth quarter began, Akron’s defense produced another big play. On second and nine near mid-field, UA senior Parris McNeal forced a fumble after a completion, which teammate Eric Lively recovered. The Zips would not take advantage and OSU responded with a six-play, 83-yard scoring drive. Boeckman read a blitz well and found an open Brian Robiskie for a 13-yard TD to provide the 20-2 final score.

While neither team would score over the final nine-plus minutes, the Zips would record their fifth and final turnover on the day as Williams forced a fumble which McNeal recovered.

Overall, OSU forced Akron to punt 14 times, including 13 consecutive three-and-out series. Akron managed just three first downs and 69 yards on offense - gaining 3 net yards on 19 rushing attempts. The Zips had two first downs the first time they had the ball, then did not pick up another until five minutes remained.

Stec averaged 41.1 yards on his 14 punts, with three punts being downed inside the OSU 20.

Carlton Jackson carried three times for a team-best 10 yards and completed 5-of-10 passes for 18 yards. Chris Jacquemain finished the day completing 12-of-21 passes for 48 yards. Defensively for Akron, Andre Jones tallied 10 tackles, including the Zips’ lone sack of the day. Mackey added nine stops to go along with his INT, while Davanzo Tate had nine tackles as well. Corner had six tackles with his pick and two pass beakups. For the Buckeyes, Wells had 20 carries for 143 yards while Boeckman was 14-of-32 for 131 yards with two TDs and two INTs. James Laurinaitas led OSU with seven tackles.

Akron will return to action next Saturday (Sept. 15) staying on the road and within the Big Ten Conference as it faces Indiana in Bloomington at Noon.