Ohio State football hosts “blackout” game once again

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fans of Ohio State football will tell you it’s not just about the game. It’s about community. It’s about culture. It’s that anybody wearing scarlet and grey is more than just a fellow fan, they are family. Except that on September 24th, during the blackout game against the Wisconsin Badgers, it was that anybody wearing black was family. Ohio State has worn black uniforms only three times in previous history, in 2016 against Penn State, 2018 against Nebraska, and 2019 against Michigan State. Fans were encouraged to do the same and they delivered.

Despite the fact most fans never step foot on the field, true Ohio State patrons believe they are part of the outcome of the game. More than 100,000 people come in droves in identical colors, creating a feeling, a buzz, a pulse that is physically palpable when they enter the stadium. They are the 12th man on the team, using their combined voices to drown out the calls of the visiting quarterback. Like the tide, they create a ripple of shared, driving passion in a sea that rages with intensity. They are integral to the game; to the victory. And a victory it was! Ohio State hasn’t lost a blackout game yet.

Perhaps even more important than winning or losing, however, is that familial feeling created within that anticipation. Parking lots are packed full of vehicles with tailgates down and friendly faces out well before game time. The neighbor to the right of you might be sipping wine and snacking on gourmet cheese. The neighbor to your left might be doing the limbo. But it doesn’t matter. You are all welcome. Differences are irrelevant to the cause. You are all there for one sole purpose and, in that moment, all are family.

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