Andy Anders, BSB: Hoosiers Are Losers
The concern in my head isn’t as to whether Ohio State will beat Indiana. Indiana shouldn’t be much of a challenge, and even in bad weather should be dispatched by the Buckeyes with some ease. There’s too much of a talent gap and the results both teams have put on the field — Indiana holds a 3-6 record at this point in the season — reflect that.
My eyes are completely centered on the running game. Can the Buckeyes grind out consistent yardage against what should be a stacked box? Especially in cold, potentially rainy conditions, teams are going to follow Northwestern’s blueprint from last week. Stack the box and hope the weather slows OSU’s passing attack.
While I’m not sure I expect immediate dominance and holistic solutions to Ohio State’s ground game, I think it should definitely take a step in the right direction. Either way, it should be a cruise to victory.
Ohio State 49, Indiana 10
Jack Emerson, BSB: Buckeyes Roll Again
Like Andy, I am not overly concerned about if the Buckeyes will pull out a win against Indiana, but rather my attention is more focused on how they look en route to the victory.
The Buckeyes have left much to be desired over the last few weeks, but have come away with three victories by double-digit scoring margins — including a 44-point win over Iowa. However, Ohio State’s offense just hasn’t looked like itself in recent weeks, as inconsistencies in execution and playcalling have knocked OSU’s typically high-powered offense a little off track.
It felt like last week’s game against Northwestern was the perfect opportunity to right some of the wrongs that have popped up since the idle week, however poor weather conditions and a rejuvenated Wildcat team gave the Buckeyes fits for most of the afternoon. However, I believe Ohio State should have no issue bullying the Hoosiers to an easy win and reestablishing its offense as a juggernaut.
Ohio State 56, Indiana 13
Braden Moles, BSB: Back To Basics
If there’s no other focus in this game for Ohio State, it should simply be running the ball. Injuries to TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, as well as the whipping winds in last week’s win putting an increased emphasis on the rushing attack, have caused the ground game to stall, but it’s time for the Buckeyes to get the train rolling again.
After facing the Hoosiers, the Buckeyes have to travel to Maryland – an upstart Terrapin squad that is 6-3 this season – and returns home to face Michigan, so the margin of error – as well as the time remaining to figure things out – is at a minimum, so this is a pivotal week for Ohio State entering the home stretch.
Indiana’s offense won’t present a challenge for Ohio State’s defense, but if the Buckeye offense continues to struggle, the problems in Columbus may be reaching unfixable. Even so, given the recent dominance of the Hoosiers, there’s little reason to believe this won’t be a big victory for Ohio State. What matters is if the Buckeyes can return to a national championship form.
Ohio State 45, Indiana 14
