BLOOMINGTON — Ohio State needed nearly the entire first half to find the end zone against Indiana, but Julian Sayin delivered when the Buckeyes needed him most.
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes lead No. 5 Indiana 10-7 at halftime after Sayin connected with Bo Jackson for a touchdown on fourth down with just seven seconds remaining in the second quarter. The late score capped a lengthy drive and gave Ohio State the momentum heading into the locker room.
Ohio State opened the game with an impressive 67-yard drive, but stalled inside Indiana's 10-yard line and settled for a 26-yard field goal from Caden Hawkins to take a 3-0 lead.
The Buckeyes' offense struggled to sustain drives after that, and Indiana's pass rush created problems for Sayin. Tobi Osunsanmi recorded two sacks, including one early in the second quarter that helped set up the Hoosiers' only touchdown.
On the next play, Sayin threw an interception that Amare Ferrell returned 23 yards to the Ohio State 7-yard line. Two plays later, Turbo Richard scored on a 7-yard run to give Indiana a 7-3 advantage.
The Hoosiers threatened to extend their lead midway through the second quarter, but Ohio State's defense held inside the red zone. Indiana's Nico Radicic missed a 32-yard field goal with 5:11 remaining, keeping the Buckeyes within four points.
Ohio State took advantage on its final possession, driving deep into Indiana territory behind several key completions from Sayin, including a 30-yard pass to freshman Chris Henry Jr. A roughing-the-passer penalty moved the Buckeyes inside the red zone before Jackson helped move the ball to the goal line.
After Indiana stopped Jackson on the ground, Sayin found him through the air on fourth down for the go-ahead touchdown.
The Buckeyes' defense has largely controlled Indiana's offense, holding the Hoosiers to seven points despite the turnover that gave them possession inside Ohio State's 10-yard line.
Ohio State will need better protection for Sayin in the second half, but the late touchdown gives the Buckeyes a three-point lead as they look to end Indiana's 22-game winning streak and avenge last season's Big Ten Championship loss.
