The 2024 Ohio State Football Schedule: A Season of Anticipation
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, college football fans across the nation eagerly anticipate the start of a new season. For Ohio State Buckeyes supporters, the 2024 season promises to be filled with excitement, challenges, and the hope of championship glory. With a solid performance last season, finishing 11-2 and a Cotton Bowl appearance, the Buckeyes are poised to make a significant impact in the Big Ten and beyond. Here’s a detailed look at the 2024 Ohio State football schedule, including key dates, opponents, and broadcasting information.
2024 Ohio State Football Schedule: Key Dates and Matchups
The Buckeyes kick off their season with a series of home games that set the tone for what fans hope will be a successful campaign. Below is the complete schedule:
| Opponent | Score | Date | Time (ET) | TV | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Akron | W, 52-6 | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 3:30 p.m | CBS | Columbus, Ohio |
| vs. Western Michigan | W, 56-0 | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 7:30 p.m | Big Ten Network | Columbus, Ohio |
| vs. Marshall | W, 49-14 | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 12 p.m. | FOX | Columbus, Ohio |
| at Michigan State | W, 38-7 | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Peacock | East Lansing, Mich. |
| vs. Iowa | W, 35-7 | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 3:30 p.m. | CBS | Columbus, Ohio |
| at No. 3 Oregon | L, 32-31 | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | Eugene, Ore. |
| vs. Nebraska | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. | FOX | Columbus, Ohio |
| at Penn State | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 12 p.m. | FOX | University Park, Pa. |
| vs. Purdue | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 9 | TBA | TBA | Columbus, Ohio |
| at Northwestern | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 16 | TBA | TBA | Chicago (Wrigley Field) |
| vs. Indiana | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 23 | TBA | TBA | Columbus, Ohio |
| vs. Michigan | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 30 | 12 p.m. | FOX | Columbus, Ohio |
Early Season Highlights
The Buckeyes start strong with a home opener against Akron, where they showcased their offensive prowess with a resounding 52-6 victory. Following that, they continue their home dominance against Western Michigan and Marshall, both of which ended in convincing wins. The matchup against Iowa on October 5 is particularly noteworthy, as it will be a crucial game for the Buckeyes to solidify their standing in the Big Ten.
The Oregon Challenge
One of the most anticipated games of the season is the away matchup against No. 3 Oregon on October 12. This game is expected to be a litmus test for Ohio State, as they face a formidable opponent in a hostile environment. The Buckeyes will need to bring their A-game to Eugene, Oregon, where they suffered a narrow defeat, losing 32-31.
Rivalry Games
As always, the rivalry games are the highlight of the season. The Buckeyes will face off against Michigan on November 30 in what is often referred to as "The Game." This matchup is steeped in history and tradition, and both teams will be looking to assert their dominance in the Big Ten.
Television Coverage and Viewing Options
Fans can catch all the action on various networks, including CBS, FOX, NBC, and the Big Ten Network. The games are strategically scheduled to maximize viewership, with several primetime slots that promise to deliver thrilling football action.
Looking Back: 2023 Season Recap
The Buckeyes had a strong showing in the 2023 season, finishing with an impressive 11-1 record in the regular season. Their only losses came against ranked opponents, including a tough defeat to No. 9 Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. The team’s performance earned them a No. 7 ranking in the final College Football Playoff standings, setting the stage for a promising 2024 season.
2023 Key Results
| Opponent | Score | Date | TV | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| at Indiana | W, 23-3 | Saturday, Sept. 2 | CBS | Bloomington, IN |
| vs. Youngstown State | W, 35-7 | Saturday, Sept. 9 | Big Ten Network | Columbus, OH |
| vs. Western Kentucky | W, 63-10 | Saturday, Sept. 16 | FOX | Columbus, OH |
| at No. 15 Notre Dame | W, 17-14 | Saturday, Sept. 23 | NBC | Notre Dame, IN |
| vs. No. 7 Penn State | W, 20-12 | Saturday, Oct. 21 | FOX | Columbus, OH |
| at No. 3 Michigan | L, 30-24 | Saturday, Nov. 25 | FOX | Ann Arbor, MI |
| vs. No. 9 Missouri (Cotton Bowl) | L, 14-3 | Friday, Dec. 29 | ESPN | Arlington, TX |
The Road Ahead
As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2024 season, fans are filled with anticipation and hope. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, Ohio State aims to reclaim its spot at the top of the college football landscape. The combination of a challenging schedule, fierce rivalries, and the pursuit of excellence makes this season one to watch.
For those looking to stay updated on scores, standings, and rankings, the NCAA provides comprehensive coverage throughout the season. Buckeye Nation is ready to rally behind their team, and the excitement is palpable as kickoff approaches.