Marshall's primary creators and defensive rebounding can keep Ohio State from building a decisive halftime separation.
Fundamental Case (3 Drivers)
Bryce Slay and Noah Otshudi have averaged 21.0 and 19.0 points through the opening two games. Having two productive perimeter options gives Marshall more than one route to an organized scoring possession. Their ability to answer baskets can interrupt the unanswered runs that create a large halftime deficit.
Marshall has allowed opponents to rebound 20.0% of their misses, and Khaman Maker is listed at 7-foot-1. Ending possessions with the first defensive rebound denies Ohio State repeated chances to score against a scrambling defense. Maker and Erich Harding give Marshall center options for that assignment, although early fouls can disrupt it.
Ohio State scored 37 first-half points against BYU and 38 against Youngstown State. Those opening halves show that sustained early separation still requires stops and efficient repeat possessions rather than simply a fast start. Marshall can remain within reach by making Ohio State finish against a set defense while its own creators answer enough trips.
Red Team Counter-Case & Risk Factors
Ohio State can turn offensive rebounds into repeated rim attempts and draw fouls on Marshall's centers. If its perimeter shooting rebounds sharply, those extra possessions can become scoring runs rather than empty trips. Marshall's ballhandlers can also feed transition chances with live-ball mistakes. An early deficit could then expand before halftime even if the initial half-court defense is sound.