After more than a year away from the gridiron, the Ohio State Club Football program is cautiously optimistic about a return to play in Fall 2021.
The majority of Ohio State’s 2021 schedule was released today, featuring a number of familiar opponents.
While the Buckeyes are actively working to fill the first two open weeks of the season, Ohio State is set to renew its rivalry with Oakland University on October 2 in Rochester, Michigan. The Buckeyes defeated the Grizzlies twice in 2019, including a 36-9 victory in the national title game. However, Oakland still holds the overall head-to-head record at 4-2. The last time the two teams met at Oakland, the Grizzles came away with a 21-13 win in 2016.
Ohio State is set to return home the following week for an October 10 game against Roosevelt University (formerly RMU-Peoria). The two teams also met in 2019, with the Buckeyes coming away with a 42-7 win in Peoria, Illinois on the back of running back Madu Eneli who rushed for 105 yards on 11 carries.
After an off week for fall break, the Buckeyes are set to travel to Oxford, Ohio to open conference play against arch-rival Miami either October 23 or 24. Ohio State has won the last two meetings overall against the Redhawks, including a 37-8 win in 2019. The last time the two teams met at Yager Stadium, the Buckeyes came away with a 36-21 win in 2018, capturing the first division title in team history.
On Halloween, the Buckeyes are set to host Toledo for the first time in history. The Rockets established a program early in 2020, but were unable – like much of the NCFA – to participate in any games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rockets joined the Mid-Atlantic West conference for 2021, while the University of Pittsburgh club team transitioned to the Mid-Atlantic East.
Finally, the Buckeyes will close the regular season with a road trip to Dayton, Ohio to take on Wright State on either November 6 or 7. Ohio State has won its last six matchups with the Raiders, including a 46-2 win in 2019. Ohio State’s previous trip to Wright State resulted in a 34-0 shutout victory for the Buckeyes in 2018.
*Ohio State Club Football is still awaiting approval from The Ohio State University and the Ohio State University Department of Club Sports to resume normal activities. All scheduled games are subject to change due to ongoing challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions placed upon the program by The Ohio State University.
Ohio State Club Football 