The No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes face the Akron Zips with big expectations for the program this season, and it all starts with this Week 1 home opener as the 2024 college football season gets underway. This game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, August 31 with a live broadcast on CBS, and streaming live on demand for free.
• WATCH: Buckeyes vs. Akron live for FREE with Fubo (free trial), or see it streaming free on Paramount+ (free trial). You can also watch this game for free with DirecTV Stream (free trial), or see even more streaming options below.
When, Where and How to Watch the Game
When: Kickoff takes place at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, August 31
Where: Ohio Stadium | Columbus, Ohio
TV Channel: CBS, or streaming on demand with Paramount Plus.
How to Live Stream the Game Online
The best way to watch this game for free is by streaming it on Paramount+ (free trial, then only $7.99/month) which will have massive Big Ten football games streaming each week. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which costs around $31 for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network and a few other sports channels If you already have cable, you can also watch this game live on CBS Sports Network with your cable or satellite provider login information.
Where to Find CBS in Your Area
You can find out more about which channel CBS is on in your area by using the channel finders here: Comcast Xfinity, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice.
Betting Odds
Moneyline: OSU: -10000 | AK: +3000
Point spread: OSU: -48.5 | AK: +48.5
Over/Under: 57
A Look at the Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are coming off a season in which they went 11-2, making it to the College Football Playoff but losing to Georgia in the Peach Bowl. This season, The Buckeyes are looking to make a deeper run into the playoffs, and their Week 1 matchup against the Zips will be a good test of their strengths and weaknesses. Ohio State will be looking to utilize a new system with a new offensive coordinator. This is a big test for the Buckeyes offense as they face a Zips defense that has been known to be good in recent seasons.
A Look at the Zips
The Zips are coming off a season in which they went 6-6, earning a bowl berth but losing to San Diego State in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl. The Zips are looking to build on their success from last year, and their Week 1 matchup against the Buckeyes will be a tough challenge. Akron will have their hands full trying to slow down the Buckeyes' offense.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Season
The Buckeyes will play a number of tough games this season, including matchups against Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The Buckeyes will need to win these games in order to make a run to the College Football Playoff.
Enjoy the Game
The Ohio State vs. Akron game is sure to be a fun and exciting contest. Be sure to tune in and watch the game live on CBS, or stream it for free on Paramount+ or Fubo!
