COLUMBUS — Ohio State will open Big Ten play this weekend at Michigan State in primetime after destroying three straight nonconference opponents.

But when the Buckeyes return home for the Big Ten home opener, they’ll face Iowa in an afternoon CBS slot. Yes, Ohio State and Iowa now have an official kickoff time: they’ll meet in the Horseshoe at 3:30 on CBS with Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson on the call.

It’ll be the Buckeyes’ second appearance on CBS so far this season; they opened the year in that time slot and on that network against Akron. The Hawkeyes will also make their second appearance on CBS this season; they lost to Iowa State in that time slot during Week 2 of the college football season.

Ohio State is expected to be 4-0 entering the showdown against the Hawkeyes — as long as it gets past Michigan State on the road this week. Iowa has this upcoming weekend off after going on the road and beating Minnesota by three scores in a rivalry game. The Hawkeyes are much better this season after having embarrassing offensive play in each of the last few years.

Of course, this will be the Buckeyes’ final game before they head to Eugene to take on new Big Ten rival and fellow top-10 team Oregon in Autzen Stadium. Ohio State will need to be focused on the Hawkeyes, not looking forward to that date with the Ducks the next weekend.

Ohio State last faced Iowa in 2022, when the Buckeyes beat the Hawkeyes 54-10. Ohio State hasn’t lost to Iowa at home since 1991.

2024 Ohio State Football Schedule

Aug. 31 – Akron (52-6 W)
Sept. 7 – Western Michigan (56-0 W)
Sept. 14 – Idle
Sept. 21 – Marshall (49-14 W)
Sept. 28 – at Michigan State (7 p.m., Peacock)
Oct. 5 – Iowa (3:30 p.m., CBS)
Oct. 12 – at Oregon
Oct. 19 – Idle
Oct. 26 – Nebraska
Nov. 2 – at Penn State
Nov. 9 – Purdue
Nov. 16 – at Northwestern
Nov. 23 – Indiana
Nov. 30 – Michigan (Noon, FOX)

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