The game was played on November 7, 1896, on the university’s campus in Athens, Ohio. The Ohio University football team was coached by Alexander Lilley, who also served as the team’s captain.

The game was a significant event for the university, as it marked the first time that the school had fielded a football team. Ohio University had previously participated in other sports, such as baseball and track, but football was a new addition to the athletic program.

The opponent for Ohio’s first football game was Marietta College, a small liberal arts school located in Marietta, Ohio. The game was played on a field that was described as being “hard and rough,” and both teams had to contend with windy and cold conditions.

Despite the challenging weather and playing conditions, Ohio University emerged victorious, defeating Marietta College by a score of 8-0. The game’s only touchdown was scored by Ohio’s fullback, Arthur Wharton.

The win over Marietta College was the first of four victories for Ohio University in the 1896 football season, which also included wins over Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, and Kenyon.