No. 2 Ohio State will begin its much-anticipated season on Saturday afternoon by playing host to in-state foe Akron. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2021 and fifth all-time, with the Buckeyes holding a 4-0 series advantage since 2001.
There's plenty to watch for when Ohio State finally takes the field. The Buckeyes have their eyes set on a Big Ten Championship Game appearance, and they're one of the early favorites to make it all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
An offseason filled with change is a big reason why. After three straight losses to top rival Michigan that eliminated Ohio State from the Big Ten race, coach Ryan Day went all-in with the No. 9 transfer class in 247Sports Team Transfer rankings and the hiring of new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who left his position as UCLA's head coach to join Day's staff.
The Buckeyes would certainly like to make a statement against what should be an overmatched Akron team. The Zips are 7-47 since 2019, including a 4-20 record over the past two seasons under coach Joe Moorhead. They haven't had a winning season since 2015.
LIVE UPDATES: Follow along live as Ohio State battles Akron to open the 2024 season
How to watch Ohio State vs. Akron live
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium -- Columbus, Ohio
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime (Try It Free)
Ohio State vs. Akron: Need to know
New faces in Columbus: Ohio State went quality over quantity in its 2024 transfer class, which ranks as one of the best in the nation despite its relatively small number. There will be seven transfers making their Buckeyes debut, including the portal's top safety in Caleb Downs, top running back in Quinshon Judkins and former Kansas State starting quarterback Will Howard. But most eyes will be on freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, who's set to start at wide receiver immediately.
Peek at Ohio State's offense: None of Ohio State's offensive additions were as impactful as that of Kelly. He brings years of experience as a head coach, both in the NFL and in college. A majority of his time spent outside has been on the offensive side of the ball. He'll bring a new identity to the Buckeyes' offense, predicated upon physicality and a tough inside-run scheme. Howard, with his 6-foot-5 frame, and Judkins, whose best work is done between the tackles, fit that ideology like a glove. It will be interesting to see what new wrinkles Ohio State employs when it takes the field.
Buckeyes dominant against in-state opponents: You would have to go back to 1921 to find the last time Ohio State lost to a team from Ohio. The Buckeyes dropped a tight 7-6 contest against Oberlin, a team that they previously outscored 211-0. Since then, Ohio State has won 52-straight games against in-state foes. It hasn't even come within one score of losing to an Ohio team since 2011, when the Buckeyes eked out a 27-22 win against Toledo.
Ohio State vs. Akron prediction, picks
This game has a huge spread. To call the Buckeyes heavy favorites would be the understatement of the year. But it makes sense when you dive into the numbers. Akron had the MAC's second-worst scoring offense (16.3 points per game) and fourth-worst scoring defense (28 ppg) a year ago. In two games against power-conference competition last season, the Zips scored a combined 30 points -- 27 of which came against a hapless Indiana squad -- and allowed 64. Ohio State should be able to score at will while its ridiculously loaded defense keeps Akron on its side of the field for most of the game. Pick: Ohio State (-50)
Which college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 1? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread -- all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $2,000 in profit since its inception -- and find out.
