In a highly anticipated Week 1 showdown, the Akron Zips will face the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes today as both teams kick off their quest for gridiron glory. This matchup marks the 10th time in school history that the Buckeyes will go head-to-head with the Zips, providing fans with an exciting clash on the football field. As Ohio State sets its sights on a national championship, let's find out how and when you can watch the Akron vs. Ohio State game, even if you don't have cable.

The game between Akron and Ohio State will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT). CBS will be airing the college football game, while streaming will be available on Paramount+ along with Showtime and other platforms. If you don't have access to CBS via your cable TV subscription, or if you don't have cable at all, there are various options for watching the game.

Paramount+ with Showtime offers a great solution for sports enthusiasts without a cable subscription. Subscribers can enjoy live college football action, as well as access to all CBS original content, movies, and more. With subscription tiers starting at $12.99 per month, Paramount+ with Showtime provides a comprehensive sports streaming experience, including NFL games, NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, and professional soccer.

For those who have a Prime Video subscription, you can also add Paramount+ with Showtime to your package for $11.99 per month after a seven-day free trial. This addition grants access to CBS-aired college football games, as well as a range of Paramount+ originals.

Sling TV offers another cost-effective streaming option for college football fans. By subscribing to the Sling TV Orange + Blue with Sports Extra tier, which is currently available for $30 for the first month (regularly $60 per month), viewers can enjoy a plethora of NFL and college football games. The Sports Extras add-on, priced at $15 per month, includes channels such as ESPNU, SEC Network, Big 10 Network, and ACC Network, ideal for following the college football action throughout the fall.

Alternatively, FuboTV offers a sports-centric streaming service that provides access to almost every college football and NFL game of the season. With packages including CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, FuboTV lets fans watch more than just today's game without a cable subscription. A seven-day free trial is available to get started, and the service also offers MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and international soccer games.

Hulu + Live TV is another streaming option that allows viewers to watch college football, including CBS and ESPN, with its bundle of 90 channels, including Fox and FS1. The $77 per month package includes unlimited DVR storage and offers a comprehensive range of live sports coverage, including NFL preseason and regular season games.

For those looking to gear up for the college football season, Amazon's College Fan Shop is a treasure trove of officially licensed fan gear, from jerseys to T-shirts and more. Additionally, Amazon offers exciting deals on TVs for optimal sports viewing.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, an affordable indoor antenna can provide access to local over-the-air HDTV channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox. With no monthly charge, this option is perfect for watching sports without relying on a cable company. The Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro digital antenna, with its 65-mile range and top-tier picture and sound quality, ensures a seamless viewing experience.

According to CBS Sports, the Ohio State Buckeyes are overwhelming favorites to win today's NCAA college football game, with a 48.5-point spread. The total over/under for the game is set at 58. Currently, the Buckeyes hold the second spot out of 134 teams in the CBS Sports rankings, while the Akron Zips are positioned at 132.

As college football fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes, the stage is set for an exhilarating season opener. With a variety of streaming options available, fans can catch all the action and cheer for their favorite teams. The journey towards the College Football Playoff National Championship, scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, is just beginning, and the Buckeyes are determined to make their mark on the road to glory.