2024 Ohio State Football Schedule: A Year of Big Challenges and Exciting Matchups

Get ready, Buckeyes fans! The 2024 Ohio State football schedule is out, and it’s packed with thrilling matchups and exciting challenges. With a mix of familiar rivals and new opponents, the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them as they chase another Big Ten championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The season kicks off on September 7th at home against the Ball State Cardinals. This will be a good opportunity for the Buckeyes to get their feet wet before facing some tougher competition. The following week, they travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans in a rivalry game that is always sure to be intense.

The schedule really heats up in October, starting with a home game against the Wisconsin Badgers. This will be a tough test for the Buckeyes, as the Badgers are always a contender in the Big Ten West. Then, Ohio State travels to Happy Valley to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. This is always a hostile environment, and the Buckeyes will need to be at their best to come away with a win. October ends with a home game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

2024 Ohio State Football Schedule

Buckeyes face tough tests in 2024.

Season opens against Ball State.
Rivalry game at Michigan State.
Home game vs. Wisconsin.
Tough road test at Penn State.
End October with Rutgers at home.
November clash with Michigan.
Potential Big Ten title game.

The Buckeyes will need to be at their best in 2024 to navigate this challenging schedule.

Season opens against Ball State.

The Buckeyes open their 2024 campaign at home against the Ball State Cardinals. This will be a good opportunity for the Buckeyes to get their feet wet before facing some tougher competition.

Familiar foe:
Ohio State has played Ball State six times previously, with the Buckeyes holding a 6-0 record. The last meeting was in 2018, when Ohio State won 42-3.
Chance for Buckeyes to shine:
Ball State is a solid team, but they’re not on the same level as Ohio State. This game will be a chance for the Buckeyes to showcase their talent and get their season off to a good start.
New faces on display:
With several key players from the 2023 season moving on to the NFL, the Buckeyes will have some new faces in their lineup in 2024. This game will be a chance for these new players to step up and show what they can do.
Home-field advantage:
The Buckeyes will be playing in front of their home crowd in Columbus, which will give them a big advantage. Ohio Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football, and the Cardinals will have their work cut out for them trying to win there.

Overall, the season opener against Ball State is a favorable matchup for the Buckeyes. It’s a chance for them to get their season off to a good start and build momentum heading into their tougher games later in the schedule.

Rivalry game at Michigan State.

The Buckeyes’ first road game of the 2024 season is a rivalry game against the Michigan State Spartans. This is always a heated matchup, and the atmosphere at Spartan Stadium is sure to be electric.

Key Big Ten East matchup:
Both Ohio State and Michigan State are expected to be contenders in the Big Ten East in 2024. This game could have a big impact on the race for the division title.
Recent history favors Ohio State:
The Buckeyes have won the last four meetings against Michigan State, including a 56-7 victory in Columbus last season. However, the Spartans won the previous three meetings before that.
Spartans have strong home-field advantage:
Spartan Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten. The Spartans have a 36-14 record at home since 2010.
Key players to watch:
For Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson will be key players to watch. For Michigan State, quarterback Payton Thorne and wide receiver Jayden Reed will be the ones to focus on.

The rivalry game at Michigan State is always a must-watch game on the college football schedule. In 2024, it could be even more important with both teams expected to be in the Big Ten East title hunt.

Home game vs. Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes’ first home game in October is against the Wisconsin Badgers. This is always a tough matchup, as the Badgers are known for their physical style of play and strong defense.

Key Big Ten matchup:
Both Ohio State and Wisconsin are expected to be contenders in the Big Ten West in 2024. This game could have a big impact on the race for the division title.

Badgers have strong defense:
Wisconsin’s defense is one of the best in the country. They are known for their stout run defense and ability to generate pressure on the quarterback.

Buckeyes need to protect the football:
Ohio State’s offense will need to be careful with the football against Wisconsin. The Badgers are known for forcing turnovers, and they have a knack for turning those turnovers into points.

Key players to watch:
For Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson will be key players to watch. For Wisconsin, quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Braelon Allen will be the ones to focus on.

The home game against Wisconsin is a big one for the Buckeyes. They will need to be at their best to come away with a victory.

The Buckeyes and Badgers have a long history of playing close games. In the last 10 meetings, six of them have been decided by a touchdown or less. The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings, but the Badgers won the three meetings before that.

Tough road test at Penn State.

The Buckeyes’ toughest road test of the 2024 regular season comes in Week 8 when they travel to Happy Valley to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. This is always a hostile environment, and the Buckeyes will need to be at their best to come away with a victory.

Whiteout game:
The Penn State-Ohio State game is known for its electric atmosphere, especially when it’s a night game. The Nittany Lions’ stadium, Beaver Stadium, is known for its whiteout games, where the fans all wear white. This creates an intimidating environment for opposing teams.

Penn State has strong defense:
Penn State’s defense is one of the best in the country. They are known for their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and force turnovers. The Nittany Lions also have a strong secondary, led by cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Buckeyes need to establish the run:
Ohio State’s offense will need to be able to establish the run game against Penn State. The Nittany Lions have a stout run defense, but they are more vulnerable to the pass. If the Buckeyes can get their running game going, it will open up the passing game for quarterback Kyle McCord.

Key players to watch:
For Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson will be key players to watch. For Penn State, quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton will be the ones to focus on.

The tough road test at Penn State is a big one for the Buckeyes. They will need to be at their best to come away with a victory in a hostile environment.

The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have a long history of playing close games. In the last 10 meetings, seven of them have been decided by a touchdown or less. The Buckeyes have won the last three meetings, but the Nittany Lions won the three meetings before that.

End October with Rutgers at home.

The Buckeyes’ final home game in October is against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This is a game that the Buckeyes should win easily, but they can’t afford to overlook Rutgers.

Rutgers is improving:
Rutgers is a team on the rise. They went 6-7 in 2023, which was their best record since 2014. With a young and talented roster, the Scarlet Knights could be a surprise team in 2024.
Buckeyes need to avoid letdown:
The Buckeyes will be coming off of a tough game at Penn State the week before. They need to make sure they don’t overlook Rutgers and come out flat. If they do, Rutgers could pull off an upset.
Chance for backups to get playing time:
With the Buckeyes expected to win this game easily, it could be a chance for some of the backups to get some playing time. This would be a good opportunity for them to get some valuable experience.
Buckeyes need to finish strong:
The Buckeyes will need to finish the regular season strong if they want to make the College Football Playoff. A win over Rutgers would give them a lot of momentum heading into November.

The game against Rutgers is a trap game for the Buckeyes. They need to make sure they are focused and ready to play, or they could be in for a surprise.

November clash with Michigan.

The Buckeyes’ biggest game of the regular season comes in Week 11 when they travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines. This is always a heated rivalry game, and the winner will likely earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The Game:
The Ohio State-Michigan game is known simply as “The Game.” It is one of the most heated rivalries in all of college football. The two teams have played each other 118 times, with Michigan holding a slight 59-51-6 advantage.
High stakes:
The stakes are always high when Ohio State and Michigan play. In 2024, the winner will likely earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. The loser will see its College Football Playoff hopes take a major hit.
Chance for redemption:
The Buckeyes will be looking for revenge in 2024 after losing to Michigan in 2023. That loss cost Ohio State a chance to make the College Football Playoff.
Key players to watch:
For Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson will be key players to watch. For Michigan, quarterback Cade McNamara and running back Blake Corum will be the ones to focus on.

The November clash with Michigan is a must-win game for the Buckeyes. They will need to be at their best to come away with a victory in Ann Arbor.

Potential Big Ten title game.

If the Buckeyes can win their division, they will advance to the Big Ten Championship Game, which will be held on December 7, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Buckeyes have won the Big Ten Championship Game three times, in 2014, 2017, and 2020.

Likely opponent:
The Buckeyes’ most likely opponent in the Big Ten Championship Game is the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan has won the Big Ten East division for two straight years, and they are expected to be a contender again in 2024. The Buckeyes and Wolverines have played in the Big Ten Championship Game three times, with Ohio State holding a 2-1 advantage.

High stakes:
The Big Ten Championship Game is a high-stakes game. The winner will earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, while the loser will see their season come to an end. The Buckeyes will need to be at their best if they want to win the Big Ten Championship and make the College Football Playoff.

Chance for redemption:
If the Buckeyes and Wolverines meet in the Big Ten Championship Game, it will be a chance for Ohio State to redeem themselves after losing to Michigan in the regular season. The Buckeyes will also be looking to avenge their loss to Michigan in the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game.

The potential Big Ten title game is a huge opportunity for the Buckeyes. They will need to be at their best if they want to win the Big Ten Championship and make the College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes have a tough schedule in 2024, but they have the talent and experience to overcome it. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to win the Big Ten Championship and make the College Football Playoff.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule:

Question 1: When does the 2024 Ohio State football season start?
Answer 1: The 2024 Ohio State football season begins on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Question 2: Where is the first game of the 2024 Ohio State football season?
Answer 2: The first game of the 2024 Ohio State football season is at home against the Ball State Cardinals.

Question 3: When is the Ohio State-Michigan game in 2024?
Answer 3: The Ohio State-Michigan game in 2024 is on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Question 4: How many home games does Ohio State have in 2024?
Answer 4: Ohio State has seven home games in 2024.

Question 5: How many away games does Ohio State have in 2024?
Answer 5: Ohio State has five away games in 2024.

Question 6: When is the Big Ten Championship Game in 2024?
Answer 6: The Big Ten Championship Game in 2024 is on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Question 7: Who are the Buckeyes’ biggest rivals in 2024?
Answer 7: The Buckeyes’ biggest rivals in 2024 are Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule. For more information, please visit the Ohio State athletics website.

In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips for Buckeyes fans in 2024:

Tips

Here are some tips for Buckeyes fans in 2024:

Tip 1: Buy your tickets early.
Ohio State football tickets are always in high demand, so it’s important to buy your tickets early to get the best selection and prices.

Tip 2: Arrive early for games.
Ohio Stadium is a big place, and it can take some time to get to your seat. Arrive early to avoid missing any of the pre-game festivities and to get settled in before kickoff.

Tip 3: Be prepared for the weather.
Ohio weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything from hot and humid to cold and rainy. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing conditions.

Tip 4: Show your Buckeye pride.
Wear your scarlet and gray and cheer on the Buckeyes loud and proud. Make sure to learn the fight song and the alma mater so you can sing along with everyone else.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great experience at Ohio State football games in 2024. Go Bucks!

Now that you know all about the 2024 Ohio State football schedule and have some tips for attending games, you’re ready to start planning your Buckeyes football season!

Conclusion

The 2024 Ohio State football schedule is packed with exciting matchups and tough challenges.

The Buckeyes will open the season at home against Ball State before facing a tough road test at Michigan State. They will also have to travel to Penn State and Wisconsin, two of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten.

Of course, the biggest game of the regular season will be the annual clash with Michigan. The Buckeyes will be looking to avenge their loss to the Wolverines in 2023.

If the Buckeyes can win their division, they will advance to the Big Ten Championship Game, where they will likely face Michigan again. A win in the Big Ten Championship Game would send the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff.

The 2024 season is sure to be a memorable one for Buckeyes fans. The team has a lot of talent and experience, and they will be looking to make a run at the national championship.

So get your tickets early, arrive early for games, and be prepared to show your Buckeye pride. It’s going to be a great season!

Go Bucks!