Things to know about Ohio State's game against Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After a 70-0 victory over Grambling State, the challenge gets a little tougher Saturday for Ohio State as it plays Ohio under the lights of Ohio Stadium.

The game is the first between the programs since 2010 and seventh overall. The Buckeyes own a 6-0 record over the Bobcats.

"I think it's great for the state of Ohio. I know OU has a very proud tradition," coach Ryan Day said. "When you're from the state of Ohio, having the memory of playing in the Horseshoe during your college career is significant and we know these guys are going to be playing with their hair on fire."

Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and you can stream the game on Peacock. Here are things to know.

Bobcats offense led by Parker Navarro

Ohio enters the Horseshoe with some confidence after taking down West Virginia 17-10. In a defensive game, the Bobcats relied on fifth-year quarterback Parker Navarro to do just enough in their first win.

The Tempe, Arizona, native made 22 completions for 247 yards and a touchdown, despite throwing three interceptions. Chase Hendricks led the receivers with eight catches for 121 yards and a score, which was a 31-yard catch in the second quarter that ended up being the difference-maker.

Day knows that to dominate, the defense will have to limit Navarro.

"You watch what he's done against two Power Five opponents, one Big Ten opponent [Rutgers]. He's done some really good things," Day said. "He's spread the ball around. He can make plays off schedule. He's got good quickness, competitive player. But ultimately to me, he's a winner."

Will Kacmarek faces former team

Senior tight end Will Kacmarek will see his former team for the first time since transferring to the Buckeyes two seasons ago.

Over three years with the Bobcats, Kacmarek caught 42 passes for 507 yards and two touchdowns in 29 appearances.

With Ohio State, the St. Louis native has become a big part of the tight end room that has been stepping up for the offense this season. Kacmarek has started twice in the 14 games he's played, catching his first touchdown pass in an OSU uniform last week against Grambling State.

Day recalls seeing his potential as a Buckeye before he entered the transfer portal. And upon meeting him, he realized that Kacmarek was the type of player Ohio State could use.

"Will is a guy who hadn't played a ton of football going into college. What we were able to watch on film, in particular the game against Iowa State, we just recognized the fact that he was a good blocker," Day said. "He's hard working, he's a good teammate. He's smart. And I think he's getting better every day."

Punt returns need to improve

It's easy to overlook the mistakes that need to be corrected after a 70-0 win, but Day saw at least one red flag from watching Saturday's film: punt returns.

"That's an area coming out of the game that we need to improve on for sure," Day said. "I think we lost 47 hidden yards with the ball bouncing around the ground. A couple of them were very difficult because they were very well kicked. But other ones I think we could've fielded."

Day still has faith in Brandon Inniss returning kickoffs and punts.

"We also have Jeremiah [Smith] that we can put back there. Carnell [Tate], Caleb [Downs] if we need to," Day said. "We gotta get better. There's no question."