Ohio State football announces nonconference game times, including opener against Texas

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, and their upcoming schedule continues to reflect that tradition of excellence and high-profile matchups. Recently, the program announced game times for their nonconference slate, including the marquee opener against the Texas Longhorns. As anticipation builds for the 2024 season, understanding the significance of these kickoff times, the matchups themselves, and their broader implications is essential for fans, analysts, and the team alike. This comprehensive review explores the announced schedule, the strategic importance of key games, historical context, and what to expect as Ohio State embarks on another quest for national supremacy.

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## The Significance of Nonconference Scheduling in College Football

Before delving into the specific game times and matchups, it’s important to contextualize the role of nonconference games in college football. These contests often serve multiple purposes:

– **National Exposure:** High-profile nonconference games can elevate a team’s national profile.
– **Strength of Schedule:** They impact playoff selection and rankings, especially when teams are vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
– **Preparation:** They provide opportunities to test the team against different styles and levels of competition.
– **Recruiting:** Showcase programs to recruits and fans nationwide.

For Ohio State, scheduling top-tier opponents like Texas is part of a broader strategy to remain at the forefront of college football’s competitive landscape.

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## The 2024 Ohio State Football Schedule: Key Nonconference Dates and Times

### Season Opener: Ohio State vs. Texas – September 1, 2024

**Kickoff Time:** 8:00 p.m. ET
**Location:** Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
**Broadcast:** ABC

The season opener against Texas is undoubtedly the most anticipated nonconference game of the year and one of the most high-profile matchups on the college football calendar. Scheduled for prime time, this game promises a nationwide audience, setting the tone for Ohio State’s season.

**Significance:**
This matchup marks the first time Ohio State and Texas meet since the 2017 Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State secured a dominant victory. It signals the beginning of a new era, with Texas transitioning into the SEC and looking to re-establish itself as a national powerhouse. For Ohio State, beating Texas would send a message about their readiness to compete at the highest level and their resilience against formidable opponents.

**Strategic Implications:**
Playing at home under the lights provides Ohio State with a significant advantage, but they will need to contend with Texas’s potent offense led by their dynamic quarterback and a disciplined defense. This game will serve as a litmus test for Ryan Day’s team and their preparedness for a rigorous Big Ten schedule and beyond.

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### Subsequent Nonconference Matchups and Their Times

2. **Week 3: Ohio State vs. Youngstown State**
**Kickoff Time:** 3:30 p.m. ET
**Location:** Ohio Stadium
**Broadcast:** CBS

As a tune-up game, Ohio State is expected to dominate Youngstown State, providing an opportunity to evaluate starters and depth. Scheduled in the early afternoon, it offers a chance for fans to see the team in action before the more intense conference play.

3. **Week 5: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame**
**Kickoff Time:** 7:30 p.m. ET
**Location:** Ohio Stadium
**Broadcast:** NBC

Notre Dame, a perennial rival, returns to Ohio Stadium in a primetime slot. This game is critical for national visibility and could have playoff implications. The night kickoff will create a charged atmosphere, with the Irish bringing their disciplined, veteran squad.

4. **Week 8: Ohio State vs. Western Michigan**
**Kickoff Time:** 12:00 p.m. ET
**Location:** Ohio Stadium
**Broadcast:** FOX

A mid-morning game, providing an opportunity for fans to enjoy football early on Saturday. It’s a chance for Ohio State to fine-tune their game plan ahead of the Big Ten stretch run.

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## Historical Context of Ohio State’s Nonconference Schedule

Historically, Ohio State has scheduled a mix of regional rivals and national powerhouses in nonconference play. Notable past opponents include Alabama, Oregon, USC, and Texas itself. These games have often defined seasons, with wins boosting national rankings and losses prompting tough questions.

The upcoming schedule continues this tradition, emphasizing marquee matchups like Texas and Notre Dame. The season opener against Texas is particularly significant, given the Longhorns’ recent resurgence and their move into the SEC—a conference known for its competitive depth.

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## Strategic Analysis of the Texas Game

### Team Strengths and Matchup Analysis

**Ohio State’s Strengths:**
– Explosive offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
– Dominant offensive line with NFL-caliber talent.
– Talented secondary and pass rush capable of disrupting Texas’s passing game.

**Texas’s Strengths:**
– Dual-threat quarterback Quinn Ewers, capable of both passing and running.
– Potent rushing attack led by Jonathon Brooks.
– Disciplined defense with a strong front seven.

### Key Matchups

– **Ohio State’s Offensive Line vs. Texas’s Defensive Front:**
Protecting McCord and establishing the run will be crucial. Ohio State’s offensive line will need to contain Texas’s pass rush, which includes high-upside pass rushers.

– **Ohio State’s Secondary vs. Texas’s Wide Receivers:**
Harrison Jr. and fellow receivers will face aggressive coverage. Ohio State’s secondary must limit big plays and force Ewers into difficult throws.

– **Quarterback Duel:**
McCord vs. Ewers—both young quarterbacks, but Ewers’s experience and mobility could give Texas an edge if Ohio State’s pass rush isn’t disciplined.

### X-Factors

– **Turnovers:**
The team that wins the turnover battle will likely have a significant advantage.

– **Special Teams:**
Field position and special teams play could influence momentum, especially in a game expected to be close.

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## Impact on Ohio State’s Season

### Early Test for National Championship Aspirations

A win over Texas would instantly elevate Ohio State’s national standing, providing a signature victory early in the season. It would also boost confidence and set a tone for Big Ten play.

### Potential Challenges of a Loss

Losing the opener, while not disastrous, could create questions about Ohio State’s ability to contend with elite teams. It might necessitate a reevaluation of game plans and personnel, but it wouldn’t eliminate their championship hopes.

### Building Momentum

A victory would likely lead to a boost in confidence, improved rankings, and a psychological edge heading into subsequent conference games.

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## Player Perspectives and Coach Insights

### Ryan Day’s Outlook

Head coach Ryan Day has emphasized the importance of preparation and execution. “This game is a great opportunity for our team to show how far we’ve come,” he said in recent interviews. “Texas is a talented, well-coached team, and we’re excited for the challenge.”

### Player Expectations

Quarterback Kyle McCord expressed confidence: “We’ve prepared hard. We know what’s at stake, and we’re ready to go out there and compete at our best.”

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. added, “Playing in primetime against a team like Texas is what we train for. We want to start the season strong and set the tone for our goals.”

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## Broader College Football Landscape and Implications

The Ohio State-Texas matchup is more than just a game; it’s a statement about the direction of college football in 2024. With Texas’s move into the SEC, this game symbolizes the ongoing reshaping of power dynamics. A Buckeyes victory would reinforce their position as a national contender, while a Texas win could signal their return to prominence.

This game also plays into playoff considerations, as early-season results influence rankings and at-large bids. Both programs view this as a crucial piece of their postseason puzzle.

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## Fan Engagement and Expectations

Ohio State fans are eagerly awaiting kickoff, with ticket sales and viewership expected to break records. The game’s prime-time slot ensures a nationwide audience, and the energy in Ohio Stadium is expected to be electric.

Social media buzz is already underway, with fans and analysts debating key matchups and predictions. The excitement around this game underscores Ohio State’s status as a perennial powerhouse and the importance of this kickoff in shaping their season.

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## Looking Ahead: The Road to Championship

Following the Texas game, Ohio State’s schedule features a mix of conference rivals and potential trap games. The team will need to build on their performance, address weaknesses, and stay healthy.

Key upcoming contests include matchups against Michigan, Penn State, and other Big Ten heavyweights. Success in these games, combined with a strong showing against Texas, could position Ohio State for a deep postseason run.

The announcement of Ohio State football’s nonconference game times, especially the marquee opener against Texas, sets the stage for an exciting and pivotal season. Scheduled for a primetime slot at Ohio Stadium, the Ohio State-Texas matchup is not only a battle between two storied programs but also a defining moment early in the college football calendar. Whether it’s the battle of young quarterbacks, the clash of powerful offenses, or the strategic chess match between coaching staffs, this game promises to deliver drama, excitement, and clarity on Ohio State’s championship aspirations. As fans gear up and players prepare mentally and physically, all eyes will be on Columbus on September 1—where history will be made, and the 2024 season will officially kick off in grand fashion.