BTN.com staff, September 22, 2012

In the first quarter, UAB's Jonathan Perry stood out. He threw for 61 yards and ran for 26 yards, and the Blazers lead 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. UAB made the score 6-0 when Calvin Jones returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.

No. 16 Ohio State will start the second quarter with the ball on its own 39-yard line.

[ PREVIEW | BY QUARTER | BOX | PBP | CONNECTWEATHER | WATCH ON BTN2GO ]

Now let's look at what Dienhart says about this game.

Why you should watch: This is the Buckeyes? last tune-up before playing a huge game at Michigan State to open Big Ten action next Saturday. Ohio State needs to show a killer instinct, put teams away, reduce penalties and limit big plays.

Keep an eye on: The Ohio State defense. It needs to tackle better and cut down on the big plays. Cal gouged the Buckeyes last week for plays of 36, 81, 30, 16 and 15 yards in a 35-28 OSU win. For the season, Buckeye opponents have executed 13 plays of 20 yards or more. If not for three missed Cal field goals and touchdown nullified by a penalty, the Golden Bears may have left Columbus with a victory.

Key matchup: Ohio State defensive line vs. UAB offensive line. Look, this is a mismatch of epic proportions, so the Buckeyes must dominate. Tackle Jonathan Hankins is playing great football and should lead the charge to mute UAB quarterback Jonathan Perry. Last week in a loss to South Carolina, the Blazers ran 42 times for 27 yards.

Key number: 220.5, rushing yards allowed per game by UAB. And the Blazers permit 5.8 yards per tote. What?s it mean? Braxton Miller could have another big day on the ground. Ditto Jordan Hall.

Key note: Ohio State has scored 30 or more points in each game, marking just the 10th time in schools annals it has turned that trick in the first three games of a season.

EDITOR'S NOTE In partnership with Narrative Science, BTN.com posts recaps after every quarter of every Big Ten football game. Use the links above for more info on this specific game, including full Big Ten campus weather reports. And enter your zip code below to find the TV channel airing BTN football games on your TV provider. If your game isn't listed, it's on another TV network. Learn more about our TV GameFinder.

[btn-twitter-feed feed="http://tweetriver.com/mr_btn_fancent/osu-hashtag.json" title="#Buckeyes" limit="5"]

[btn-weather-pages id="buckeyes"]