For the fifth time in 13 seasons, Ohio State has opened the season with a 4-0 record.
The Buckeyes, who are off this week, are in the midst of the longest winning streak in program history, having won 11 straight games dating back to last season. Ohio State is set to return to action to take on rival Oakland in a game that could have conference championship implications.
The Grizzlies enter Week 5 of the NCFA season undefeated at 3-0 with a matchup against Michigan State on October 15. Should Oakland win, it would set up a game of undefeated teams in Columbus on October 23 for the right to sole possession of first place in the Great Lakes Conference.
Regardless of the records, the game will match Oakland’s historically dominant defense against Ohio State’s high flying offense, which is scoring points at an impressive clip. The Buckeyes are averaging 52 points per game this season (not including a 2-0 forfeit win over Loyola) while Oakland is surrendering just 8.3 points per game, tied with Gordon State for the best scoring defense in the league (more than two games played). Ohio State became just the second team in NCFA history to score 50+ points in three straight games last week, matching the mark set by UM-Flint in 2012. No NCFA team has ever scored 50+ points in four or more games.
Ohio State is averaging 440 yards of offense per game through three contests, despite playing through two separate second half runnings clocks (Michigan State, Wright State). Although he has played just six quarters, quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein leads the NCFA in touchdown passes with eight and has yet to throw an interception. Running back Johnathan Thiele is still the NCFA leading rusher through four weeks, carrying 38 times for 283 yards and a score while wide receiver Casey Scroggins leads the league in receptions (20) and receiving touchdowns (6) through Week 4. Fellow receiver Abdou Keita leads the NCFA in receiving yards (277) through Week 4 and has added four scores.
On the Oakland side, the Grizzlies feature an aggressive defense that has accounted for more than 20 sacks in three games. Linebacker Mario Morris leads an Oakland defense that has corralled nine interceptions and forced four fumbles so far in 2022.
For the first time ever, Ohio State is inviting prospective recruits to attend a game and get an immersive Buckeye experience. Any 2023 or 2024 prospect interested in the Ohio State Club Football program should fill out the registration form here for more information. Those who register and are cleared for attendance will be able to watch the entire game from the sidelines as well as shadow the team in the locker room pregame, at halftime, and postgame. Attendees and their families will then be invited to meet with Head Coach James Grega, Jr. and select student leaders after the game for an info session about the program and all it can offer.
Ohio State Club Football 