Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes set to begin potentially special season vs. Akron

COLUMBUS — So much has happened since the last time Ohio State took the field. Transfer portal defections — and additions. Coaching changes at key spots. New freshmen entered the program and have already shined. NFL Draft decisions nearly went unanimously the Buckeyes’ direction.

But that’s all offseason chatter, because now the Buckeyes have to put everything on the field. And for the first time since Dec. 29, the Buckeyes get to do just that when they take on Akron on Saturday in what should be a packed Horseshoe.

This Ohio State roster is loaded for what could be a national-title season. It has all the makings of one of the best teams in years. Can they put it together? Saturday is the first step in finding out.

Akron at Ohio State: Game time, details

Ohio State is 8-1 against Akron in its program history. Yes, the Buckeyes have lost to the Zips before, but more on that below.

The two teams last met in 2021 in Columbus where the Buckeyes won 59-7. Another wrinkle in this year’s contest is that Akron’s head coach is Joe Moorhead. Moorhead was Oregon’s offensive coordinator in 2021 when the Buckeyes lost at home to the Ducks — the same year they played Akron.

The Buckeyes have a near-flawless record against schools from the Mid-American Conference, going 36-1.

• Time : 3:30 p.m. est.
• Kickoff: 3:40 p.m. est.
• Weather: High of 82º, 95% chance of thunderstorms, 7 mph winds.
• The line: Ohio State is a 48.5 favorite per VegasInsider
• Over/under: 58.5 points

Series Fun Fact

The Buckeyes are nearly undefeated against programs in the Mid-American Conference. The only school with a win over the Buckeyes is none other than Akron — well, sort of. Then known as Buchtel College, Akron beat Ohio State 12-6 in 1894. The scarlet and gray have won the last five games.

Staff picks: Will Buckeyes shut out Akron?

Spencer Holbrook: Ohio State 52, Akron 3

Andy Backstrom: Buckeyes 63, Zips 3

Tim May: Ohio State 69, Akron 3

Matt Parker: Buckeyes 58, Zips 3

Mick Walker: Ohio State 66, Akron 7

Alex Gleitman: Buckeyes 56, Zips 3

Bold predictions for Buckeyes against Maryland

The Lettermen Row staff expects Ohio State to open the season with an emphatic win over Akron. As always, the crew went deeper than their score picks to make Bold Predictions about what will happen in the Horseshoe.

READ: Bold Predictions for Buckeyes in season-opening tune up against Akron

Stick with Lettermen Row for wall-to-wall game-day coverage

Lettermen Row will be on site for comprehensive coverage of the latest Ohio State matchup, as the Buckeyes return to action against Akron. Follow along on Twitter , Instagram and YouTube for experienced coverage.

Counting down

Ohio State at Oregon: 42 days
Ohio State at Penn State: 63 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 91 days

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