Tonight, “Friday Night Football” in Ohio will take on a new meaning.
For the first time in 60 years — when Woody Hayes was still the Buckeyes’ coach — Ohio State football will play on a Friday night, when it heads to Evanston, Ill., to face Northwestern in a primetime matchup.
First announced in 2016 and introduced in 2017, the Big Ten began playing six Friday night games per season as a part of their new television contracts. Thus far, Ohio State — which opposed the Friday night games when they were first announced — has avoided being featured in the contests, although as evidenced by this season’s scheduling, the Buckeyes could only avoid Friday night for so long.
FILE – In this Wednesday, March 6, 2019 file photo, Ohio State NCAA college football head coach Ryan Day gestures during football practice in Columbus, Ohio. New Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s 10 assistant coaches will be paid a total of more than $7.4 million this year. Contracts of the assistants were released by Ohio State on Monday, March 11, 2019. Co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison tops the list at $1.1 million. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File)
Paul Vernon
RELATED: Cardale Jones assigned to XFL’s DC Defenders
RELATED: Watch: Ohio State University Marching band takes ‘One Giant Leap’ with halftime performance
RELATED: Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins lead No. 4 Ohio State over No. 25 Michigan State 34-10
Nevertheless, Ohio State’s unique scheduling has caused complications for Buckeyes fans back home, particularly those connected to high school football. With watching Ohio State being a ritual for many — if not most — in the Buckeye State, high school attendance could suffer, which could prove problematic for programs whose budgets rely on Friday nights.
Already, some have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, including the Ursuline Football program, which called for a “statement” to be made to Ohio State by not watching the game.
So where do you stand? Are you looking forward to the Buckeyes’ break from the usual? Or should Ohio State and the Big Ten stay away from Friday night?