In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 2 Ohio State triumphed over No. 5 Indiana with a score of 38-15 at Ohio Stadium, before a bustling crowd of 105,751 fans. The game proved to be a challenge for the Buckeyes until two pivotal punt plays shifted the momentum in their favor. A fumbled punt snap by Indiana allowed Ohio State to seize their first lead late in the second quarter, and shortly thereafter, Caleb Downs made a spectacular 79-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
With this victory, Ohio State improved to a record of 10-1, including 7-1 in the Big Ten. The team is currently eyeing a crucial upcoming game against Michigan that could set the stage for a rematch with Oregon in the Big Ten championship, a team that narrowly defeated them earlier in the season.
This matchup marked the 98th meeting between Ohio State and Indiana, notably the first where both teams were ranked in the top five. Indiana entered the game with its best record in school history at 10-0, yet some skeptics viewed their schedule as lacking significant competition. Nevertheless, the Hoosiers managed to showcase their capabilities, at least through the first half, although they’ve now faced Ohio State’s formidable team 29 times without a win since 1988.
Ohio State’s defense shone following an initial touchdown by Indiana on their first drive, halting the Hoosiers’ momentum effectively afterward. The Buckeyes’ defense, which has allowed only four touchdowns in the last six games since losing to Oregon, restricted Indiana to a mere 151 yards throughout the game. Key players included Jack Sawyer, who recorded significant tackles and contributed to the pass rush against Indiana’s quarterback Kurtis Rourke.
On the offensive side, Ohio State’s line faced challenges with injuries, having lost key players, yet they managed to protect quarterback Kyle McCord effectively, allowing him to complete 22 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdown passes. Despite only averaging 2.9 yards per carry, the offense executed when needed, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Coach Ryan Day expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and praised their focus on executing their game plan, emphasizing the importance of playing their best football as they head into critical matchups.
Overall, the Buckeyes displayed both strength in adversity and impressive teamwork, setting a tone of optimism as they prepare for their next challenges on the road ahead. The performance highlights not only their capabilities but also a deep-seated ambition to contend for the championship as the season progresses.