CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After much anticipation and talk about what the Ohio State needs to do to get back on top, the Buckeyes host Akron to kick off the 2024 campaign.
The first box to check on one of the most highly anticipated seasons in Ohio State history is defending the 103-year winning streak against in-state opponents.
Saturday marks the 10th matchup ever between the Buckeyes and Zips. Ohio State heads into it with an 8-1 series advantage with the lone Akron win coming in 1894 under coach John W. Heisman.
You can get live updates on the game right here, including highlights, analysis and insight from cleveland.com OSU beat reporters Stephen Means, Andrew Gillis and Stefan Krajisnik as well as Tim Bielik and Jimmy Watkins.
Just refresh your browser to see the newest updates at the top.
Only one thing can keep Ohio State from winning a national title this season, and it still looks to be a work in progress after Week 1 https://t.co/JfRKVeiNrW
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024The drop on his first target is a distant memory now.
Jeremiah Smith, in his first collegiate game, showed why Ryan Day pretended to faint when Ohio State signed the nation's top recruit.
Buckeyes are 1-0. https://t.co/jbmicpmMpH
won - (0) pic.twitter.com/22x4atabJa
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
Final: Ohio State 52, Akron 6.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
https://t.co/RwdiWmjX23 pic.twitter.com/3akS6iKFuS
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024
— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) August 31, 2024Ohio State scores a pick six on defense to go ahead 52-6.
Important, for some.
Marysville’s finest Gabe Powers with a pick-6
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
INTERCEPTION‼️ pic.twitter.com/hAjrhlyXPR
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
2:25, 4Q: Gabe Powers takes in the tip-drill interception for a TD. Buckeyes lead 52-6.
get a touchdown find oblock... pic.twitter.com/0Ybmwyhlvj
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
family. pic.twitter.com/wanxsLCGaT
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
34 yard tuddy for @carnelltate_ ‼️ pic.twitter.com/6h9pFjFhoQ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
10:16, 4Q: Carnell Tate goes 34 yards for a Buckeyes TD. Ohio State leads 45-6.
One more to go! pic.twitter.com/8ZYmIbQD3d
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
9 yard TD run for @James_peoples17 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/W88mlrUPYK
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
James Peoples’ first career touch is a touchdown
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
End 3Q: James Peoples goes four yards for an OSU TD. The Buckeyes lead 38-6.
dynamic duo right here. pic.twitter.com/AjvBUgxdsM
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024Joe Moorhead is putting together a time-of-possession clinic. Akron has had the ball for 21:42 to Ohio State's 15:43.
The Buckeyes lead 31-6.
3:37, 3Q: Garrison Smith’s field goal is good from 49 yards. Ohio State leads 31-6.
turnover 📸... pay the ransom pic.twitter.com/mR5uKv8WVd
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024Scoop & score‼️
Lathan Ransom picks up the loose ball and takes it in for 6️⃣.#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/IfDxjnOR3r
Hero Kanu forced fumble, Lathan Ransom scoop and score
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
current mood. pic.twitter.com/oKQxnGrEOJ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024He caught that with one hand 🤯
Jeremiah Smith continues to add to his impressive @OhioStateFB debut.#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/c0NShHyWEW
7:35, 3Q: Lathan Ransom recovers an Akron fumble and takes it in for an OSU TD. The Buckeyes lead 31-3.
1ST TD FOR @quinshon_ AS A BUCKEYE‼️ pic.twitter.com/KN3XVhl5R8
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024Quinshon Judkins got his first touchdown as a Buckeye
But can we talk about Jeremiah Smith having his hand in the dirt as a TE on that play?
7:53, 3Q: Quinshon Judkins goes into the endzone following a 45-yard hookup to Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State leads 24-3.
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024Ohio State's first drive of the second half:
Quinshon Judkins 13-yard run
Jeremiah Smith 45-yard catch
Quinshon Judkins 2-yard TD run
i, too, think jeremiah smith is good
— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) August 31, 2024
45 yard catch......SHEESH pic.twitter.com/rY9is15Zo9
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
8:45, 3Q: Ohio State takes over at their own 40 after the Akron punt.
🏈 🏃♂️💨 pic.twitter.com/H4GqN1KmTP
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
HE IS 𝖙𝖍𝖊 (MAN) pic.twitter.com/EPS4rXrTTN
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
15:00,3Q: Akron will start with possession at their own 25 after a touchback.
Archie Griffin has dotted the i pic.twitter.com/Tr9qtxK2V2
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024
— Jimmy Watkins (@JimmyWatkins95) August 31, 2024Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord (now playing for Syracuse) at halftime against MAC juggernaut Ohio:
18/24, 211 yards, 2 TDs
Archie Griffin just dotted the i. 👏#B1GFootball on CBS 📺 pic.twitter.com/HnWwaJPsW8
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 31, 2024
BUCKEYE NATION👏 pic.twitter.com/e9rKxU1XvM
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024Will Howard’s first half as Ohio State’s starting quarterback:
9 of 19 for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns
2 down. 2 to go. bucks lead. pic.twitter.com/5pa4DxnbdP
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
🤷♂️#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/Dr5mGT4WxC
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 31, 2024
— Jimmy Watkins (@JimmyWatkins95) August 31, 2024HALFTIME: Ohio State 17, Akron 3.
Defense good. Jeremiah Smith good.
Other than that, my eyes hurt.
Halftime: Ohio State 17, Akron 3.
(Derogatory)
— Jimmy Watkins (@JimmyWatkins95) August 31, 2024
0:30, 2Q: Akron forces an Ohio State punt and will take over at their own 21.
4th down buckeye nation... GET LOUD!
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
What if Connor Stalions is in the Goodyear blimp? pic.twitter.com/zEWEdu3kjR
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024
2 IN A DAY FOR THE FRESHMAN 👏 pic.twitter.com/8sm9rb8Ofc
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
https://t.co/73vcwhIUPz pic.twitter.com/OALhGz5LJ1
— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) August 31, 2024
Through 20 minutes of collegiate experience, Jeremiah Smith has two catches for 44 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Announcing his presence in style.
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 31, 2024
Brad Nessler calling Big Ten games just feels right.
— Tim Bielik (@timbielik) August 31, 2024
4:30, 2Q: Jeremiah Smith hauls in his second TD pass of the game to give OSU a 17-3 advantage.
ball carrier 🤝 @quinshon_ pic.twitter.com/maTjDoI9G4
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
SACK BY @caleb_downs2 & @JT_Tuimoloau ‼️
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/1y7HqMvKX6
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
11:23, 2Q: Akron takes over at their own 25 following the OSU kickoff.
11:23, 2Q: Jayden Fielding nails a 40-yard field goal to extend the OSU lead to 10-3.
nothing like celebrating with your brothers.@Jermiah_Smith1 👏 pic.twitter.com/UQPhdHe98l
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
Denzel Burke with his third career interception
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
12:03, 2Q: Ben Finley’s pass is intercepted and Ohio State will have the ball at the Akron 33.
12:59, 2Q: The Zips come up with a fourth down stop and will take over at the Ohio State 25.
Bucks lead after the 1st. More work to do👏 pic.twitter.com/A0Oj4lxtTt
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
End Q1: Ohio State 7, Akron 3.
0:08, 1Q: Ohio State will have possession at their own 41-yard line after the Akron punt.
Jeremiah Smith made the Bucks' first TD of the season look easy 😮💨#B1GFootball x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/dGkXu1Svnn
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
2:44, 1Q: Will Howard finds Jeremiah Smith in the endzone on a 16-yarder for the first Ohio State TD of the year. Buckeyes lead 7-0.
ANOTHER ONE...1st down @Emeka_Egbuka pic.twitter.com/6WQwA4W65X
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
1st down...BUCKEYES. pic.twitter.com/exaqaX7xHk
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
8:44, 1Q: Ohio State opens possession with the ball at their own 25.
8:44, 1Q: Garrison Smith nails a 48-yard field goal and Akron takes an early 3-0 lead.
14:02, 1Q: Akron takes over in their own territory after an OSU punt.
14:55, 1Q: Ohio State opens the season with the ball at their own 32-yard line.
Cody Simon and Donovan Jackson are still dressed today despite both being listed as OUT
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
Two statues for the only man with two Heismans https://t.co/Gx1DC8H7so
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 30, 2024
Eye on the prize. @Jermiah_Smith1 pic.twitter.com/WZts2CtbLR
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
⏭️ up...buckeyes in pads. pic.twitter.com/4vtzbltQiV
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
Dark mode. [ON] pic.twitter.com/Q8Hbx7szsM
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
Will Howard and the Buckeyes are ready for kickoff! 😤#B1GFootball x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/AV675YcQTO
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
oh we ready ready. pic.twitter.com/kMK2PutMRG
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
Say it with us... "best helmet in college football" pic.twitter.com/5j9DNUGTv6
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
😤@emeka_egbuka | @J_Ball21 pic.twitter.com/MwNzukHMet
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
QB1....... 🔋@whoward_ | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Lxa3imnpEf
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
Former Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is at Ohio Stadium watching the game today
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) August 31, 2024
Dynamic Duo.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
pic.twitter.com/WIIwyErtRt
Some former Buckeyes are in the house for the @OhioStateFB game 🙌#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/ySOmbPQ4Q8
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 30, 2024Ohio State will have a moment of silence tomorrow for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
Buckeyes open their season at 3:30 p.m. against Akron.
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 30, 2024Archie Griffin: "...To let young people right here from Columbus, Ohio, come and see that statue. Maybe it’ll make them believe that, ‘Hey, I can do that too.’
"That’s what’s so very, very important to me.”https://t.co/IVDhWDFIEw
— Jimmy Watkins (@JimmyWatkins95) August 30, 2024Ohio State has the most talented roster Urban Meyer has ever seen. But I still don't think the Buckeyes can match Meyer's 2014 milestone for two key reasons.
Season preview column: https://t.co/uCxIg8Osit
There’s no place like 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 🏠 pic.twitter.com/XNnJX1rJWy
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
The Ohio State Football Team Plays Today. pic.twitter.com/MTbqDkPGJb
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 31, 2024
The Buckeyes are ready for battle ⚔️#B1GFootball x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/YrYI9jkaVZ
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
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