That makes sense. Most teams play cupcakes in week one, out of conference, and in friendly confines.
However, the Buckeyes’ season opener on August 31st marks a far cry from the usual season kickoff. They will leave the Columbus for only the third time in the past decade on opening weekend. Additionally, the Buckeyes will open on a Thursday, their first such game since opening with Marshall two days early in 2010.
The final odd touch to this year’s opener comes in the form of the Buckeyes’ opponent: Indiana. The matchup with the Hoosiers will mark the first time in 41 years that Ohio State starts its season against a Big Ten opponent rather than exploring out of conference competition.