You may not know it for a few reasons, but today is the 130th anniversary of Ohio State football’s first-ever game. It took place on May 3, 1890 in a rather unassuming setting.
There are a few reasons you may not be giving it any thought today. First, college football has been played in the fall for as long as anyone can remember. Second, May the 4th is tomorrow, so that can hide a lot of things as we all discuss all things Star Wars. Even absent of those two things the current COVID-19 pandemic is on everyone’s minds.
So, we’ll forgive you.
Still, the first game in Ohio State football history was indeed played on this date 130 years ago against Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH. The Buckeyes played as a spring team for that game only, but it is an official contest. The team did not yet have a coach, but still won 20-14. After the game, the team did not play again until the fall when it participated in four more contests, losing them all.
Today's today in sports history is my favorite of all time. The Ohio State football team played their first game in history on this date (yes in the spring) in 1890. They traveled to Delaware and beat Ohio Wesleyan 20-14. Let's get some 1890 throwbacks for a game this fall! pic.twitter.com/WIv5mqHEiL
— David Kinder II (@davidkinderii) May 3, 2018