The Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1) just can’t seem to dodge the broadcasters’ spotlight—or their scheduling choices. Being one of college football’s powerhouse teams comes with its perks, but it also comes with challenges, and this week is no exception. For the sixth time this season, the Buckeyes will play in the Big Noon Kickoff, a slot often reserved for lower-profile matchups.

Fans are questioning if it’s a scheduling bias, especially since high-stakes games like their showdown against undefeated Indiana (10-0) typically deserve the primetime spotlight. Night games traditionally draw bigger crowds and anticipation, something this matchup truly warrants. Frustrated fans have voiced their disappointment, pointing out how these midday kickoffs can diminish the excitement of marquee games. 

And Buckeyes QB Will Howard seems to agree. Although the magnitude of the game is not lost on him, no matter the time it is played. “I’m excited. And I’m confident Buckeye Nation will show up. We need y’all. I know people have thoughts on noon games, but it’s when we play. Show up and be loud,” he said.

The Buckeyes sure will need their fans in full force. While Indiana is definitely a tough opponent, they’re still a relatively new team on the national stage. Curt Cignetti’s team has trounced every team in their path, albeit the path has been a relatively smooth one. This marks their first game all season against a ranked team. Ohio State, meanwhile, has plenty of big-game experience. The No. 2 team in the nation is still in the hunt for a spot in the Big 10 title game. In fact, Will Howard and the Buckeyes are -10.5 point favorites at home.

Redshirt senior Howard transferred over from Kansas State and has already shown that he can hang around in the big spots. Howard arguably played his best game of the season against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks, throwing for a season-high 326 yards. With the ancillary weapons he has on the outside, there is scope for another huge performance. The Hoosiers tend to fight fire with fire offensively, and defense isn’t their strong suit. Buckeyes fans will be hopeful of a win despite their issues with the powers that be. The scheduling isn’t the only thing OSU fans have had a gripe with recently.

Ohio State fans keep running into grievances

Just last weekend, the fans were furious about their team’s apparent exploitation for money. The Buckeyes’ game against Northwestern was played at baseball park Wrigley Field. Many saw this as a ploy to increase ticket sales at the expense of proper footballing conditions. These complaints were mostly hyperbolic. Since Northwestern is undergoing a stadium makeover, they were destined to play at Wrigley Field once it was made available post-baseball season.

Ohio State’s visit being their first game there in 2024 was largely coincidental. However, football fans love nothing more than good drama. The fans, players, and coaches will be laser-focused on the Saturday game. In front of a national lens, they stand to be the litmus test for Indiana’s legitimacy as a playoff contender. An upset will be very detrimental since it will shut the door on the Big 10 championship.