NFL
By: Owen Tyler
Ohio State is back on the road for one of its biggest games of the season. The Buckeyes travel to Bloomington this Saturday to take on an undefeated Indiana team that has already proven it can compete with the best in the country. Indiana beat Ohio State 13 to 10 in last year’s Big Ten Championship Game, and now the Buckeyes have a chance to get that loss back.
This is not the same Indiana program that Ohio State used to face every year. Curt Cignetti has turned the Hoosiers into a national championship team, and they have started this season 6 and 0. Ohio State is 5 and 1 after taking care of Maryland last weekend. But the Buckeyes will need to play much better if they want to leave Bloomington with a win.
Indiana Is a Different Kind of Challenge
Indiana has looked like one of the best teams in college football through the first six weeks of the season. The Hoosiers are averaging more than 40 points per game and have one of the best defenses in the country. They also have a quarterback in Josh Hoover who has played extremely well, throwing 17 touchdowns without an interception.
Indiana is coming off a comeback win over Nebraska after trailing by 11 points in the fourth quarter. Hoover connected with Nick Marsh for two long touchdown passes to help the Hoosiers escape with a 20- 17 victory. That is the kind of team Ohio State is facing this weekend. Indiana has playmakers on offense, a strong defense, and the confidence that comes with winning close games.
The Buckeyes cannot afford to let Indiana hang around late in the fourth quarter. This is a team that has already shown it can find a way to win.
Jeremiah Smith Has Indiana’s Attention
If there is one player Indiana will be focused on stopping, it is Jeremiah Smith. Smith is coming off another huge performance against Maryland, catching two touchdown passes and continuing what has been an incredible season. Through six games, he has 48 catches for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti knows exactly what his defense is up against. “There’s no one like him right now playing at this level,” Cignetti said about Smith. “He’s a freak, and we’re going to have to do a great job on him.”
That is high praise from a coach whose team has won 22 straight games.
Indiana will have to decide how much attention it wants to give Smith. If the Hoosiers double team him, Ohio State needs to make them pay elsewhere. If they leave him one-on-one, Sayin has to trust his best receiver to win.
Smith had eight catches for 144 yards against Indiana in last year’s championship game. Even in a loss, he showed how difficult he is to contain. This weekend, Ohio State needs to find a way to get him involved early and keep the pressure on Indiana’s defense.
The Offensive Line Is a Major Concern
One of the biggest storylines heading into Saturday is Ohio State’s injury report. Starting offensive lineman Austin Siereveld has been ruled out, and running back Ja’Kobi Jackson will also miss the game. Safety Leroy Roker III, safety Khmari Bing, wide receiver Amari Valerio Hudson, and offensive lineman Jaxon Powell are also listed as out.
There is some good news, though. Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuin, linebacker Christian Alliegro, nickelback Jay Timmons and right tackle Phillip Daniels are not listed on the report after missing last week’s game. Freshman wide receiver Brock Boyd, running backs Anthony Rogers and Isaiah West, defensive end Khary Wilder and offensive lineman Deontae Armstrong are listed as questionable.
Siereveld’s absence is especially important because Indiana has a pass rush that can make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The Hoosiers recorded five sacks against Sayin in last year’s Big Ten Championship Game. Phillip Daniels is expected to return at right tackle, which should help. But the offensive line still has to be ready for a tough test.
Sayin cannot spend the afternoon running away from pressure. Ohio State needs to protect him, establish the run, and give its quarterback time to make plays downfield. Bo Jackson is also expected to take on a bigger role with Ja’Kobi Jackson out. The Buckeyes need a strong running game to keep Indiana from focusing entirely on Sayin and Smith.
Ohio State’s Defense Has to Match Indiana’s Playmakers
Indiana’s offense is not built around just one player. Hoover has been excellent, while receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh give him two dangerous targets on the outside. Both have shown they can make big plays, and Marsh is coming off a huge performance against Nebraska.
Ohio State’s secondary will have to be ready from the opening snap. The Buckeyes have the talent to slow Indiana down, but they cannot give up easy touchdowns or allow the Hoosiers to take control of the game early. They also need to put pressure on Hoover without leaving their corners exposed downfield.
Indiana has been especially dangerous when games get tight. Ohio State needs to force a few difficult throws, get off the field on third down, and make the Hoosiers work for every point. This is the type of game where one turnover could make a huge difference.
Ohio State Has a Chance to Answer Last Year’s Loss
There is no getting around what happened in last year’s Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State lost 13 to 10, and Indiana went on to win the national championship. The Hoosiers have every reason to believe they can beat the Buckeyes again. But Ohio State has a chance to send a message of its own.
The Buckeyes have one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the country, a receiver who is playing at a historic level, and enough talent on defense to make this a difficult game for Indiana. The biggest question is whether Ohio State can handle the pressure in Bloomington. Ryan Day has already talked about the challenge of playing in another tough road environment, and the Buckeyes know Indiana will be ready.
Ohio State cannot let the crowd, the pass rush, or last year’s loss take it out of its game. It needs to stay patient, protect Sayin and take advantage of the opportunities that come its way.
My Prediction
I expect this to be a close game. Indiana is undefeated for a reason. The Hoosiers have a great quarterback, dangerous receivers, and a defense that can make life difficult for Ohio State. Playing in Bloomington makes the challenge even tougher.
The Buckeyes also have some important injuries to work around, especially on the offensive line and at running back. That could make it harder to get the running game going and protect Sayin against Indiana’s pass rush. Still, I think Ohio State has the better overall collection of talent. If Sayin takes care of the football and the Buckeyes find ways to get Jeremiah Smith involved, they have the offense to win this game.
Indiana will make Ohio State earn it, but I think the Buckeyes respond to last year’s championship loss and make a statement on the road.
Prediction: Ohio State 31, Indiana 27.
This is the biggest game of Ohio State’s season so far. The Buckeyes have a chance to beat the defending national champions on their home field and show the country they are still one of the teams to beat. Now they have to go out and prove it.
