15 Facts About Akron Vs Ohio State

The Storied Rivalry

The rivalry between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes is rich in history and drama. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about their matchups.

1. Series History
   The Akron Zips and Ohio State Buckeyes have met nine times since December 5, 1891. Ohio State has dominated, with Akron managing only one win.

2. Recent Meetings
   Their last encounter was on September 25, 2021, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won decisively, 59-7, extending their winning streak to five games.

3. Longest Streak of Continuous Meetings
   The longest streak of continuous meetings between the teams was five games, from 1891 to 1895. Since then, they haven't played consecutively.

Ohio State's Dominance

Ohio State has consistently shown its superiority over Akron, making their encounters quite one-sided.

4. Ohio State's Dominance
   Ohio State has won the last five meetings, with their most recent victory being a 59-7 rout in 2021. This showcases the significant gap in talent and resources.

5. Akron's Struggles
   Akron's lone win in the series came in 1895. They haven't managed to win against Ohio State since, highlighting their consistent underperformance.

Key Players and Injuries

Injuries and standout players often play a crucial role in the outcomes of these games.

6. Injury Reports
   For the 2024 season opener, Akron's injury report was unavailable as of August 29, 2024. Ohio State's running back Tc Caffey was out for the season due to a knee injury.

7. Ohio State's Defense
   Ohio State's defense has been a significant factor in their dominance. In the 2024 season opener, their defense outscored Akron on its own, with key plays from safety Lathan Ransom and linebacker Gabe Powers.

Akron's Offensive Woes

Akron has struggled offensively, which has often left their defense in tough spots.

8. Akron's Offense
   In 2023, Akron ranked 130th in scoring and 129th in yards per game. Their inability to move the ball effectively has been a major concern.

9. Quarterback Battle
   Transfer quarterback Ben Finley emerged as Akron's starter for the 2024 season. Finley, who previously played at Cal and NC State, faces a tough challenge against Ohio State's defense.

Defensive Strengths

Despite offensive struggles, Akron's defense has shown some promise.

10. Defense Better Than Offense
    Despite Joe Moorhead's background as an offensive coordinator, Akron's defense has been stronger. In 2023, they ranked 81st in points allowed and 32nd in total defense.

11. Key Players
    Linebacker Antavious Fish and cornerback Devonte Golden-Nelson are crucial for Akron. Fish led the team with 95 tackles in 2023, while Golden-Nelson intercepted two passes.

Predictions and Game Details

Predictions and game details provide a glimpse into what fans can expect.

12. Predictions and Odds
    The odds for the 2024 matchup heavily favored Ohio State, with a spread of -48.5 points. Predictions from various sources also favored Ohio State to win by a significant margin.

13. Game Details
    The 2024 season opener between Akron and Ohio State took place on Saturday, August 31, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The game was televised on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, Fubo, and Sling TV.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Understanding the historical context and future outlook adds depth to this rivalry.

14. Historical Context
    Ohio State hasn't lost to an in-state school since 1921, when Oberlin College defeated them 7-6. This streak underscores Ohio State's dominance over in-state rivals, including Akron.

15. Future Outlook
    For Ohio State, the 2024 season is expected to be highly competitive, with aims for a Big Ten championship and potentially a national title. The matchup against Akron serves as a tune-up for more challenging games ahead.

Buckeyes' Dominance Over the Zips

Ohio State's overwhelming dominance in the Akron vs. Ohio State rivalry is crystal clear. With the Buckeyes winning eight out of nine matchups, including a recent 59-7 blowout in 2021, the gap in talent and resources is evident. Akron's lone victory dates back to 1895, and since then, they've struggled to keep pace.

Ohio State's defense has been a cornerstone of their success, often outscoring Akron on its own. Key players like Lathan Ransom and Gabe Powers have made significant contributions. Meanwhile, Akron's offense has faced consistent challenges, ranking near the bottom in scoring and yards per game.

As the teams prepare for future matchups, Ohio State aims for Big Ten championships and national titles, while Akron looks to improve and compete more effectively. The rivalry continues, but the Buckeyes' dominance remains a defining feature.