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Viewing Guide: How to watch Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•09/14/23•

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Marvin Harrison Jr. by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
Marvin Harrison Jr. sprints downfield after the catch against Youngstown State. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — A test for the Ohio State defense and a potential breakout for the Buckeyes’ offense: That’s what Week 3 looks like for head coach Ryan Day’s team, as pass-happy Western Kentucky comes to town Saturday.

Unlike Ohio State’s first two opponents, Indiana and Youngstown State, WKU isn’t expected to chew clock on the ground. That’s not the Hilltoppers’ forte, anyway. Only two teams in the country throw the ball more than WKU. Led by quarterback Austin Reed — the FBS passing leader in 2022 — the Hilltoppers average 44 pass attempts per contest.

That means the Buckeyes’ secondary will get its first real chance to prove that it’s taken a significant step since last year’s collapse.

And, potentially with more possessions to play with, the Ohio State offense might finally eclipse the 40-point mark. That is, if the Buckeyes can steer clear of turnovers against an opportunistic WKU defense.

It’s Kyle McCord’s first start as the full-time starting quarterback at Ohio State. All eyes are on McCord and the No. 6 Buckeyes (2-0, 1-0 Big Ten). They take on the Hilltoppers (2-0) one week before a highly-anticipated matchup versus No. 9 Notre Dame in South Bend.

Buckeyes vs. Western Kentucky: Game time, details

WKU is coming off a 41-24 win over USF and a 52-22 victory against Houston Christian. The Hilltoppers give up a ton of yards. They were 73rd nationally in total defense last year, and they’re 121st in that category through two games this season. But they know how to force turnovers. WKU was better than every other team in the country in that department in 2022. It was atop the FBS with 32 takeaways. The Hilltoppers already have six through two weeks of action this time around. Their defense, albeit quite porous — it gave up 374 rushing yards to USF — collects more possessions for a high-flying WKU offense that also features Biletnikoff Award candidate Malachi Corley.

  • Time: 4 p.m. EST
  • TV Channel: FOX
  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 16
  • Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
  • Weather: High of 76º, 6% chance of rain during day, winds 5 mph
  • The line: Ohio State is a 29.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.
  • Over/under: 64.5 points

How to watch Buckeyes

The Ohio State v. Western Kentucky game will be televised on FOX with Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Brock Huard (color analyst) and Allison Williams (sideline reporter) on the call.

How to stream Buckeyes

This week, the Buckeyes can be streamed on any platform that provides Big Ten Network, such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live and Fubo TV. You can also stream the game on the FOX Sports app.

How to listen to Buckeyes

Paul Keels, Jim Lachey and Matt Andrews will have the call on the Ohio State Sports Radio Network 97.1 FM (WBNS).

Series fun fact

Ohio State has never played Western Kentucky. But the Buckeyes have enjoyed success against the Power Five programs in the state. They’re a combined 5-0 against Louisville and Kentucky all-time, according to Winsipedia. That said, Ohio State hasn’t faced the Wildcats since 1935, and its last matchup against Louisville was in 1992 — John Cooper’s Buckeyes got out of the ‘Shoe with a 20-19 win that season.

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