Things to Watch

Replacing Braxton

Redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett is only the fifth freshman in the last sixty years to start for Ohio State during the first year of eligibility and he is only the second freshman in that same period to start in the season opener.

Why Bill the Goat?

The first time a live goat was used as a mascot for Navy was back in 1893 when a goat named "El Cid" was turned over to the Brigade by officers on the USS New York. El Cid is credited for the 6-4 win over Army that season. After El Cid various animals such as cats, a dog, and a carrier pigeon have been used, but since 1904 a goat has been the official mascot. The school continues to use a live goat and currently has three goats being used. The official handlers are Midshipmen from the first, second, and third class who receive extensive training prior to handling Bill on gameday.

OSU on Road for Opener

Ohio State is 33-2 in its last 35 season openers, and those two losses were on the road. The Buckeyes lost in 1986 at Alabama and in 1999 against Miami in New Jersey.