Ohio State Football This Weekend: Who Do They Play?

When Ohio State football takes the field this weekend, it’s never just another game—it’s a convergence of tradition, national implications, and statewide anticipation. Buckeye fans check schedules daily, refresh the OSU Athletics site hourly, and scan social media for injury updates or weather alerts. But before the pregame tailgates fire up or the Horseshoe lights blaze, the most urgent question remains: Who do they play? This isn’t rhetorical. It’s logistical, emotional, and strategic—especially when the opponent is ranked, when a Big Ten East title hangs in the balance, or when College Football Playoff positioning shifts with every snap.

This article delivers more than a name and date. It gives you context: where the game fits in the broader season arc, what’s at stake beyond the scoreboard, how to watch without cable, what to expect from both rosters, and why this particular matchup matters—not just for Columbus, but for the entire conference landscape. All information is verified against the official 2024 Big Ten Conference schedule, Ohio State Athletics’ weekly release (as of October 11, 2024), and the latest depth chart updates released by head coach Ryan Day’s staff.

Opponent & Game Details: The Essentials

This Saturday, October 19, 2024, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will air nationally on ABC—a rare primetime slot reserved for elite Big Ten matchups—and stream live via ESPN+ and the ESPN app for authenticated subscribers.

This is the 119th meeting between the two programs—the third-oldest rivalry in FBS history—and the 12th consecutive season the teams have faced off as Big Ten East division opponents. Ohio State holds a 63–50–5 all-time advantage, though Penn State has won three of the last five meetings—including last year’s dramatic 31–24 victory in Beaver Stadium that derailed OSU’s playoff hopes late in November.

The stakes are immediate and substantial. A win keeps Ohio State undefeated in conference play (5–0) and positions them to control their own destiny in the Big Ten East. A loss would drop the Buckeyes into a three-way tie atop the division with Michigan and Penn State, triggering complex tiebreaker scenarios that hinge on head-to-head results and point differentials—none of which favor OSU if they lose twice to the Nittany Lions in back-to-back seasons.

Why This Matchup Matters More Than Ever

This isn’t simply another chapter in a storied rivalry. It’s a litmus test for Ohio State’s evolution under Ryan Day—and for Penn State’s legitimacy as a sustained national power. Since 2022, these teams have combined for seven top-10 finishes, four College Football Playoff appearances, and zero losing seasons. Their games consistently decide division titles, influence playoff selection, and produce Heisman-caliber performances.

This year, the narrative layers deepen. Ohio State enters with the nation’s top-ranked offense (48.2 points per game) and a retooled defense anchored by sophomore linebacker C.J. Hicks, who leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss (11.5). Penn State counters with the conference’s stingiest pass defense (162.3 yards allowed per game) and a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in Drew Allar—who has thrown 14 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions and rushed for 327 yards this season.

What makes this game uniquely consequential is its placement in the schedule. It falls exactly one week after Ohio State’s emotionally charged 38–28 win over rival Michigan State—a game marked by senior day tributes and a record-setting performance from running back Quinshon Judkins. Penn State, meanwhile, comes off a grueling 24–21 road win at Iowa, where Allar played through a high-ankle sprain and the Nittany Lions�� defense held Iowa to 176 total yards. Fatigue, momentum, and mental resilience will be as decisive as Xs and Os.

“The Ohio State–Penn State game is the only regular-season contest where both fanbases treat it like a de facto championship. You don’t win the Big Ten East by beating Rutgers or Indiana—you prove you belong by winning in Columbus or Happy Valley.” — Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN Lead College Football Analyst

Key Storylines to Watch

Three interlocking narratives will define how this game unfolds—and how fans remember it long after the final whistle.

1. The Offensive Line Chess Match

Ohio State’s offensive line has allowed just 5 sacks in 7 games—fewest in the Big Ten. Penn State’s defensive front, led by All-American defensive tackle Abdul Carter (7.5 sacks, 12 TFL), ranks second nationally in pressure rate (34%). How well OSU’s young unit handles Carter’s interior rush—and whether Penn State’s edge rushers can contain backup left tackle Josh Padilla, starting in place of injured All-Big Ten pick Donovan Jackson—will determine whether QB Will Howard has time to find his receivers downfield or gets forced into risky throws.

2. The Red-Zone Efficiency Battle

Ohio State converts 92% of red-zone trips into touchdowns—the highest mark in the country. Penn State’s red-zone defense allows scores on just 71% of opponent opportunities—the best in the Big Ten. That 21-percentage-point gap represents the difference between a blowout and a one-score thriller. Expect heavy usage of tight ends and short-yardage formations from both sides—and critical third-and-short decisions from both coordinators.

3. Special Teams Turnover Factor

Penn State’s punter, Alex Birchmeier, averages 48.7 yards per punt and has pinned 14 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Ohio State’s return unit, led by junior Jyaire Brown, averages 28.1 yards on kickoffs—second-best in the conference. Field position will be fiercely contested. A single muffed punt or blocked kick could swing momentum decisively—especially in a game projected to be within a touchdown for 40+ minutes (per ESPN’s Football Power Index).

How to Watch & Attend: Practical Guide

Whether you’re watching from a bar in Dublin, a living room in Dayton, or the upper deck of the Horseshoe, preparation ensures you don’t miss a moment—or get caught unprepared.

Real-World Fan Experience: A Tailgate Timeline

For thousands of Buckeye faithful, the game begins long before kickoff. Here’s how a typical Saturday unfolds for a group of longtime fans tailgating near Gate 24—based on interviews with members of the “Scarlet & Gray Legion,” a 27-year-old fan club recognized by OSU Athletics.

1. 10:00 a.m. – Arrival at parking lot G-14. Setup includes canopy, generator-powered grill, OSU-branded cooler, and sound system playing Buckeye classics (“Hang On Sloopy,” “Buckeye Battle Cry”).
2. 12:30 p.m. – First wave of food: smoked brisket sandwiches, buckeye candies (peanut butter-chocolate confections), and non-alcoholic “Horseshoe Punch” (cranberry-lime soda with mint).
3. 2:15 p.m. – Pre-game walk to the stadium. Group stops at the Woody Hayes statue for photos and silent reflection—honoring the legendary coach’s legacy of discipline and preparation.
4. 4:45 p.m. – Entry into stadium. Traditional stop at Section 12’s “Block O” for the student-led chant: “O-H-I-O!” repeated four times with synchronized arm movements.
5. 6:55 p.m. – Final pre-kickoff ritual: standing for the alma mater, sung a cappella, followed by a collective roar as the team bursts through the tunnel.

This rhythm isn’t accidental. It reflects decades of shared identity—where the game is the climax, but the community is the constant. As 72-year-old legion member Margaret Voss explained during a recent interview: “My father tailgated here in ’57. My son did it in ’99. My granddaughter did it last year—and she brought her own portable charger so her phone wouldn’t die during the fourth quarter. Some things change. Some things—like showing up early, feeding each other, and believing—are sacred.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if it rains?

Ohio Stadium is an open-air facility with no roof, but games are rarely postponed or canceled due to rain alone. The grounds crew uses specialized drying equipment and sand-based turf treatments to maintain playable conditions. In the event of lightning, fans are directed to shelter in concourses until the “all-clear” is issued—typically within 15–20 minutes. Real-time weather alerts are pushed via the OSU Athletics app.

Is there student seating near the field?

Yes. Approximately 12,500 student tickets are allocated for lower-bowl sections 10–13 and 22–25—within 30 yards of the sideline. Students must claim tickets via the Buckeye Ticket Exchange starting at noon on Tuesday before the game. Walk-up student entry begins at 5:00 p.m. on game day, but lines often exceed 90 minutes. Arriving early is strongly advised.

Can I bring signs or banners?

Yes—but with strict guidelines. Banners must be no larger than 3 feet by 5 feet, mounted on non-metallic poles (fiberglass or PVC only), and free of commercial logos or political messaging. Handheld signs are permitted but cannot obstruct others’ views. All signage is subject to inspection at the gate. Prohibited items include laser pointers, smoke devices, and inflatable objects taller than 24 inches.

Conclusion: More Than a Game—A Moment to Claim

Ohio State football this weekend isn’t just about who they play. It’s about who they are—right now, in this precise moment of the season. It’s about the weight of expectation carried by 22-year-olds in scarlet helmets, the quiet intensity of coaches reviewing film at 3 a.m., the generational pride of fans who’ve passed down game-day rituals like heirlooms. Penn State is a worthy, formidable, deeply respected opponent—not a speed bump on the way to something bigger. This is the kind of game that defines seasons, reshapes legacies, and reminds us why college football still resonates so powerfully in American culture.

If you’re watching from home, invite someone over. If you’re in the stadium, hold the person next to you’s hand during the alma mater. If you’re listening on the radio, pause whatever you’re doing for those final two minutes—and really listen. Because in the end, what matters isn’t just the final score. It’s the shared breath before the snap. The collective gasp when a receiver breaks free. The unscripted roar that rises, spontaneous and unified, from 100,000 voices echoing across the Olentangy River.