— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A big pay day is in store for Marshall’s football program.
The Thundering Herd will make a short and profitable bus ride north to Columbus, Ohio in 2024 for a game at Ohio State.
The two teams, less than three hours apart, will be facing off in Columbus for the third time in 20 years.
MU will receive $1.6 million for the contest, which will take place on Saturday, September 21.
Marshall Director of Athletics Christian Spears is an Ohio State alumnus and his knowledge of the Buckeyes’ program helped lead to the football game being arranged.
“I’ve been fortunate to schedule a ton of football games over the years, but this one is special,” Spears said. “The leadership at Ohio State operates at another level and (Ohio State Associate AD for Sport Administration) Carey Hoyt and (Ohio State Athletic Director) Gene Smith created an opportunity for our team, our support staff, our spirit squads and our loyal fans to be part of the whole experience. We are very grateful for their efforts to get this deal done.
“I love when college football comes together and I’m just genuinely excited and honored to bring our football team and our faithful fans to Ohio State in the fall of 2024.”
Marshall previously played at Ohio State in the 2004 and 2010 seasons. The Herd almost upset the Buckeyes in 2004, losing 24-21 on a last-second 55-yard field goal by OSU All-American kicker Mike Nugent. The Buckeyes dominated Marshall for a 45-7 win at the start of the 2010 season.
Marshall’s Big Green Athletic Club members and football season ticket holders will get top priority buying tickets for the Ohio State game, as well as another Power 5 road game for the Herd in 2024 at Virginia Tech.
Marshall also has a Power 5 road contest this fall as the Herd visits North Carolina State on October 7, which comes two weeks after the Herd welcomes Virginia Tech to Huntington.