In Ohio State's storied history, the Buckeyes have only started a season nine times in a game featuring two ranked teams.
The last time the Buckeyes started off against a ranked opponent? 2003. That drought will end this year when Ohio State hosts Notre Dame in its first game of the 2022 season.
In honor of the rarity of the mega-battle slated for Sept. 3, we’re taking a look back at the nine previous Ohio State season openers in which both the Buckeyes and their opponents were ranked. Factors that were considered in ranking the most anticipated games include the rankings of both teams entering the game, the opponent and the expectations for Ohio State's upcoming season.