COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The offseason is over, and the Buckeyes' bid for a national title begins Saturday.
No. 2 Ohio State opens the season against Akron, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes have never lost to an in-state opponent at Ohio Stadium and have won 33 straight against the Zips since a 12-6 loss back in 1894 at the Ohio State Fair. OSU looks to win its 25th consecutive season opener.
The game marks the debut of several new faces, including Kansas State transfer and starting quarterback Will Howard, freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith and Ole Miss transfer running back Quinshon Judkins. On defense, Caleb Downs plays in his first game as a Buckeye since transferring from Alabama, where he was SEC freshman of the year.
Ryan Day enters his sixth season as coach and he's joined by a familiar face in Chip Kelly, who will serve as offensive coordinator from the coaches box instead of the sideline. Kelly joined the staff after serving as coach at UCLA.
Two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin will play a big role at the game. The former Buckeye will dot the "i" in Script Ohio during the Ohio State marching band's halftime performance. Griffin had a statue unveiled at Ohio Stadium on Friday to commemorate 50 years since winning his first Heisman Trophy.
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