The 2024 Ohio State football season promises to be an exciting one, with the Buckeyes looking to build on their success in recent years. Led by head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State will face a challenging schedule that includes both conference and non-conference opponents. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide an overview of the Buckeyes’ 2024 football schedule, highlighting key matchups and providing analysis and predictions.
The Buckeyes will open their season on September 7th, 2024, at home against the University of Akron Zips. This will be a great opportunity for Ohio State to start the season strong and build momentum heading into their more challenging matchups. Following the season opener, the Buckeyes will travel to face the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 14th, 2024. This will be the first of two meetings between these two rivals, with the second game taking place in Columbus on November 2nd, 2024.
With the season opener against Akron and the highly anticipated rivalry matchup against Penn State out of the way, the Buckeyes will begin their Big Ten conference schedule. The conference slate includes games against Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Iowa, among others. These matchups will be crucial in determining Ohio State’s position in the Big Ten standings and their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff.
2024 Ohio State Football Schedule
Buckeyes face challenging opponents.
- Season opener vs. Akron Zips.
- Rivalry matchup with Penn State.
- Tough Big Ten conference schedule.
- Key games against Michigan and Wisconsin.
- Home game against Notre Dame.
- Potential College Football Playoff berth.
With a talented roster and a favorable schedule, the Buckeyes are poised for another successful season in 2024.
Season opener vs. Akron Zips.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will kick off their 2024 football season at home against the Akron Zips on September 7th, 2024. This matchup will mark the first time these two teams have faced each other since 2015, when the Buckeyes won 59-0. Akron is coming off a 2-10 season in 2023, but they have a new head coach in Joe Moorhead, who previously led Mississippi State to a pair of bowl games.
For Ohio State, the season opener against Akron will be a chance to get their feet wet and work out any kinks before they face tougher opponents later in the season. The Buckeyes will be heavily favored in this game, but they will need to avoid complacency and take care of business against an Akron team that is looking to make a statement under their new coach.
Akron will be looking to pull off a major upset against Ohio State, but they will need to play a perfect game to have a chance. The Zips will need to control the clock and keep the Buckeyes’ offense off the field. They will also need to force turnovers and make big plays on special teams. If Akron can do all of those things, they may have a chance to pull off the upset.
However, the Buckeyes are simply too talented and experienced for Akron to handle. Ohio State should win this game easily and start the season with a 1-0 record.
The season opener against Akron is an important game for Ohio State, as it will give the team a chance to build momentum and confidence heading into their more challenging matchups later in the season.
Rivalry matchup with Penn State.
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions have one of the most intense rivalries in college football. The two teams have met 37 times overall, with Ohio State holding a slight 20-16-1 edge in the series. The rivalry has been especially heated in recent years, with the teams trading wins and losses in their annual matchup.
In 2024, the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions will meet twice, once in Columbus on September 14th and again in State College on November 2nd. Both games are sure to be sellouts and will have a major impact on the Big Ten East Division race.
The first meeting between the two teams will take place in Columbus on September 14th. This will be the Buckeyes’ first home game of the season, and they will be looking to make a statement against their biggest rival. Penn State will be looking to spoil the party and get a leg up in the Big Ten East race.
The second meeting between the two teams will take place in State College on November 2nd. This will be the regular season finale for both teams, and it could have major implications for the Big Ten East title and the College Football Playoff. Both teams will be looking to finish the season strong and secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.
The rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State is one of the most passionate and intense in college football. The two teams always play each other tough, and the games are always decided by a few plays. The 2024 matchup is sure to be no different, and it could have a major impact on the College Football Playoff.
Tough Big Ten conference schedule.
The Big Ten conference is one of the toughest in college football, and the Ohio State Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them in 2024. The Buckeyes will face a number of challenging opponents, including Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
- Michigan: The Michigan Wolverines are Ohio State’s biggest rival, and the two teams always play each other tough. Michigan has a talented roster and is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. The Buckeyes will need to be at their best to beat Michigan in 2024.
- Michigan State: The Michigan State Spartans are another tough opponent for Ohio State. The Spartans have a physical defense and a strong running game. Michigan State is also coming off a 10-win season in 2023. The Buckeyes will need to be careful not to overlook the Spartans in 2024.
- Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Badgers are known for their tough defense and powerful running game. The Badgers have won the Big Ten West Division six times in the past eight years. Ohio State will need to find a way to slow down Wisconsin’s offense in order to win in 2024.
- Iowa: The Iowa Hawkeyes are another tough defensive team. The Hawkeyes have held their opponents to an average of just 16.8 points per game over the past three seasons. Ohio State will need to be patient and persistent on offense in order to score points against Iowa in 2024.
The Big Ten conference schedule is a gauntlet, and the Ohio State Buckeyes will need to be at their best in order to win the conference championship in 2024. The Buckeyes have a talented roster and a lot of experience, but they will need to play their best football in order to overcome the challenges that the Big Ten presents.
Key games against Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have two key games on their schedule in 2024: their annual rivalry game against the Michigan Wolverines and their Big Ten crossover game against the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Michigan game is always one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. The two teams are bitter rivals, and the game is often decided by a few plays. In recent years, the Wolverines have had the upper hand, winning the past two meetings. However, the Buckeyes are looking to turn the tide in 2024.
The Wisconsin game is also a tough matchup for Ohio State. The Badgers are known for their tough defense and powerful running game. Wisconsin has won the Big Ten West Division six times in the past eight years, and they are always a contender for the Big Ten championship.
Both Michigan and Wisconsin will be looking to knock off the Buckeyes in 2024. These two games will be crucial in determining Ohio State’s chances of winning the Big Ten championship and reaching the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes will need to be at their best to win these two key games. They will need to play disciplined football and avoid making mistakes. They will also need to find a way to score points against two of the best defenses in the country.
Home game against Notre Dame.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a non-conference matchup on September 28th, 2024. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2016, when the Buckeyes won 44-22 in South Bend.
Notre Dame is one of the most storied programs in college football history, and they will provide a tough test for the Buckeyes. The Fighting Irish have a talented roster and a new head coach in Marcus Freeman, who led the team to a 9-4 record in 2023.
The Buckeyes will be looking to avenge their loss to Notre Dame in 2016. They will also be looking to improve their record against the Fighting Irish to 7-2 all-time.
The home game against Notre Dame is a big opportunity for the Buckeyes to make a statement early in the season. A win over the Fighting Irish would give Ohio State a boost of confidence and would help them move up in the polls.
The Buckeyes are favored to win the game, but Notre Dame is a dangerous opponent. The Fighting Irish have a lot of talent on their roster, and they will be looking to pull off an upset in Columbus.
Potential College Football Playoff berth.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most successful programs in college football history, and they are always a contender for the College Football Playoff. In 2024, the Buckeyes will have a chance to reach the Playoff for the eighth time in the past nine years.
The Buckeyes have a favorable schedule in 2024, with only two games against ranked opponents in the regular season. If Ohio State can win those two games and finish the regular season with a 12-0 record, they will be in a strong position to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Even if the Buckeyes lose one or two games in the regular season, they could still make the Playoff if they win the Big Ten championship. The Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences in college football, and a win in the championship game would be a major boost to Ohio State’s Playoff resume.
The Buckeyes have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are led by one of the best coaches in the country in Ryan Day. If Ohio State can stay healthy and avoid major injuries, they have a good chance of reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024.
The College Football Playoff is the ultimate goal for every team in the FBS, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are no exception. The Buckeyes have all the pieces in place to make a run to the Playoff in 2024, and they will be one of the favorites to win the national championship.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 Ohio State Football Schedule:
Question 1: When is the Ohio State football season in 2024?
Answer 1: The Ohio State football season in 2024 will begin on September 7th and end on November 23rd.
Question 2: How many home games will Ohio State have in 2024?
Answer 2: Ohio State will have seven home games in 2024.
Question 3: Who are Ohio State’s biggest rivals?
Answer 3: Ohio State’s biggest rivals are Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
Question 4: What are the key games on Ohio State’s schedule in 2024?
Answer 4: The key games on Ohio State’s schedule in 2024 are the games against Michigan, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame.
Question 5: Does Ohio State have a chance to make the College Football Playoff in 2024?
Answer 5: Yes, Ohio State has a chance to make the College Football Playoff in 2024 if they can win the Big Ten championship and finish the regular season with a strong record.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule?
Answer 6: You can find more information about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule on the Ohio State Athletics website.
Closing Paragraph: We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the Ohio State Athletics Department.
Now that you know more about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule, here are some tips for making the most of your game day experience:
Tips
Here are some tips for making the most of your 2024 Ohio State football game day experience:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
Ohio Stadium is a big place, and it takes time to get to your seat. If you arrive early, you’ll have plenty of time to find your seat, grab a snack, and soak up the atmosphere.
Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking on game day, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be blisters on your feet while you’re trying to enjoy the game.
Tip 3: Bring sunscreen and a hat.
If you’re attending a game in the afternoon, make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat. You don’t want to get sunburned while you’re cheering on the Buckeyes.
Tip 4: Be prepared for the weather.
Ohio weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain, and a blanket in case it gets cold.
Closing Paragraph: We hope these tips help you make the most of your 2024 Ohio State football game day experience. Go Bucks!
Now that you know more about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule and how to make the most of your game day experience, it’s time to start planning your trip to Columbus.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ohio State football season promises to be an exciting one. The Buckeyes have a favorable schedule, with only two games against ranked opponents in the regular season. They also have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are led by one of the best coaches in the country in Ryan Day.
If Ohio State can stay healthy and avoid major injuries, they have a good chance of reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024. They could even be in contention for the national championship.
Closing Message: We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the 2024 Ohio State football schedule. We will continue to update this article throughout the season, so be sure to check back for the latest news and analysis.
Go Bucks!