COLUMBUS — First and foremost, let me begin this by saying I realize Saturday’s opponent, Oregon State, is coming off a 1-11 season in 2017.

Immediately that tempers some of the excitement surrounding the Buckeyes’ 77-31 victory against the Beavers before 102,169 fans inside of Ohio Stadium.

Let’s put the opponent aside for a moment and look solely at work produced by the Buckeyes and interim head coach Ryan Day.

With the amount of talent that the Buckeyes trot out onto the field — at seemingly every position — it doesn’t take long to realize that this team has the opportunity to be special.

But, in watching the defensive unit perform — especially in the second half — there’s much work to do. Other than an impressive first half by the defensive line, that side of the ball left a lot to be desired.

However, the offense was so explosive that it certainly helped cover up for those deficiencies. So, maybe, just chalk it up to a first game? Time will tell there.

On top of the talent they possess, when you consider that the Bucks are playing with a built-in edge because of the turmoil that’s surrounded suspended head coach Urban Meyer since late July, it spelled a long day for the Beavers — literally and figuratively. If the offense continues to crank like it did on Saturday, it could be a recipe for several long days for oppositions this season.

While a lot of teams have some sort of additional motivating factor, not many teams have the number of four and five-star recruits that Ohio State does. Many of those were on full display in a game in which the second half was delayed by more than 60 minutes because of a storm that rolled through Central Ohio just as the Ohio State Marching Band was peforming a show, honoring Queen.

Not even Mother Nature could help the Beavers too much damage had already been done by the storm that was known as the Buckeyes. Seemingly all of the the Buckeyes’ house-hold names — on both sides of the ball — got involved during the first half in which they rang up 42 points and 314 total yards.

Mike Weber showed a burst that wasn’t seen all that often last season because of a lingering hamstring issue en route to three touchdowns. Dwayne Haskins — taking over for J.T. Barrett at quarterback — completed 14-of-18 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns to a bevy of different receivers.

The defensive star power was led by Nick Bosa, who recovered two fumbles (one for a touchdown) and had two sacks, and Dre’Mont Jones, who had three tackles and two sacks from his defensive tackle spot.

It’s just an embarassment of riches, if you will, for the Buckeyes.

Obviously, expecting more than 600 yards every week might be a stretch because, obviously, much more resistance will be offered down the road.

The Buckeyes’ offense simply has an it factor about it. Quite simply, it’s a pick-your-poison approach for defenses because there isn’t one area in which they have a legitimate weakness and speed everywhere.

Think about it. They score throwing the ball deep, underneath, via the ground game and rotate so many players that everyone is fresh.

How do you determine what to try to take away?

On the flip side, this team is far from a finished product, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They yielded far too many big plays, including an 80-yard touchdown on the Beavers’ initial play from scrimmage in the third quarter. Something tells me, Greg Schiano and company will make plenty of adjustments. But, the adjustments must be executed by the four and five-star recruits on that side of the ball.

SETH’S SCOOPS

MEADOWBROOK SENIOR Davis Black and head coach Jeff Twiddy were on the sideline prior to Saturday’s game. Black was a recruiting guest. The 6-5 quarterback hasn’t received an offer from the Buckeyes.

DURING THE second quarter, Ohio State men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann and reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Keita Bates-Diop were recognized on the field.

HASKINS set a record for an OSU quarterback, making his first start for a total number of touchdown passes and passing yards.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com or at twitter.com/TLSportsSeth