Three things to watch when Ohio State hosts Marshall on Saturday

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After an off-week early in the season, Ohio State football returns to the field on Saturday to host Marshall in its final nonconference game of the regular season.

The No. 3 Buckeyes are 2-0 after wins over Akron and Western Michigan, and the Thundering Herd, which is also coming off a bye week, is 1-1 after a win over Stony Brook and a loss to Virginia Tech. Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday from Ohio Stadium.

The game marks the third meeting between the schools. The first meeting, played 20 years ago, was won by Ohio State on a 55-yard field goal by Mike Nugent as time expired.

Here are three things to look out for.

Running backs look to pick up where they left off

Last time Ohio State was on the field, the Buckeyes scored eight touchdowns against Western Michigan. Six of those were scored on the ground. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins each found the endzone twice, and James Peoples and Will Howard also ran in for scores in a 52-6 win.

Judkins, who had 108 yards on nine carries, was praised by how well he's adapted to the system after transferring from Mississippi.

"I think there's certain things that we do different from where he came from, so learning that was something he jumped into early on," coach Ryan Day said. "You can see what he can do with the ball in his hands, the explosiveness and the power he has when he runs."

Day noted the strength of Judkins' relationship with Henderson in the running back room. The senior from Hopewell, Virginia, had the most carries in the Western Michigan game, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly continues to be impressed by his work ethic.

"He's a guy that is out there every single day," Kelly said. "He only knows one speed. You never have to talk to Tre about effort. He's always trying to get better. You watch him in a walkthrough, and he's meticulous with his steps and where his hand placement is. He's not just going through the motions."

Donovan Jackson to start at left guard

After missing the first two games of the season because of injury, Donovan Jackson is set to make his first start at left guard.

"He's ready to roll," Day said. "As long as he has a good week of practice, he’ll be ready to go for Saturday."

The senior from Cypress, Texas, is in his fourth season and is a two-time first team all-Big Ten honoree. Considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in the country, Jackson had played all 39 games in the last three seasons and started 26 contests at left guard. He'll line up next to another veteran, Seth McLaughlin, and add some strength on that offensive line.

"They're very sharp," Day said. "Everyone's going to be on the same page even more and allow guys to communicate well, because that's important. "Everything upfront is about communication, so the more these guys can communicate and get everybody on the same page, the better we can execute."

Will Howard getting better, backup QBs need more reps

Quarterback Will Howard is obsessed with getting better, so much so that it sometimes interferes with his schoolwork as a graduate student.

"I love watching film like I always have been. This semester, I have class at night. And don't tell my professors, but sometimes I watch a little film in class," Howard said. "I love the game of football, and I love the chess game it is. I love how much strategy goes into it."

The Kansas State transfer has so far been winning the chess match. Through two starts, he's completed 35 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns. His completion percentage in each of the two contests is over 60%.

"Will continues to grow every day. That's one thing I love about him. He's a lifelong learner," Kelly said. "He comes in every day really hungry about how do I get better."

But the coaching staff recognizes the need to make sure the other quarterbacks are capable to take the field at any moment. Three backup QBs -- Devin Brown, Julian Sayin and Lincoln Keinholz -- saw time against Western Michigan. And with Big Ten play around the corner, there may not be many more opportunities for the backups to get significant playing time.

"You don't know what this week is going to bring. We've got to go play Marshall, we've got to beat Marshall, and we'll figure out the rest later," Day said. "We're going to get these guys reps in practice. The more game reps we can get them, the better. We do know that's going to be important."