Ohio State’s seniors will be honored much earlier than usual this year. Ohio State announced in a news release on Friday that Senior Day will be held ahead of its season-opening game against Ball State this year as opposed to its traditional spot ahead of the season-finale against Michigan.
“Ohio State will recognize its senior class prior to kickoff, which will create a meaningful and celebratory moment to start the season,” Ohio State said of the change to honor its seniors ahead of the Sept. 5 matchup against Ball State at 12:30 p.m.
The change may be a part of an effort to keep The Game as routine as possible. Since taking over as Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day has moved senior tackle from the Thanksgiving before The Game to during bowl practices in December.
Last year, Ohio State hosted the marching band in practice earlier in the season as opposed to in the week leading up to The Game, and instead of driving to Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes broke tradition and flew north to take on their arch rival last year.
The Buckeyes have lost the last two games against the Wolverines at home, with their most recent win coming in 2018.
Last year, Ohio State broke a four-game losing streak against Michigan, with a 27-9 win in Ann Arbor.
