Things to Watch

Stadium Renovations

Since it is the home opener, this will be the first time Ohio State fans can see the recent renovations, which include an additional 2,615 seats in the south stands and permanent lights above the stadium. The capacity of the stadium increased from 102,329 to 103,944. The previous stadium attendance record was 106,200 in 2012 against Nebraska. With the increased capacity, it is likely the OSU attendance record will be broken this year, possibly this weekend. Gone are the days when Ohio State rents lights and cranes for night games.

Students Buying Tickets

OSU student ticket sales continue to increase each year, which is contrary to the trend at other Big Ten and SEC schools. Michigan has made numerous attempts to encourage student attendance at games, but those efforts have failed. Ohio State sold 29,614 student ticket packages, which include either the entire season or just the Big Ten games. With the change to semesters, students are on campus for the entire season, and that was not the case under the quarter system.

Flashback to 1974

The 1974 team will be honored on Saturday for the 40th Anniversary of that season. Between the first and second quarter Archie Griffin will be honored as this is also the 40th Anniversary of his first Heisman Trophy and he was selected recently as the Rose Bowl's 100th Anniversary All-Time Player.