BLOOMINGTON — Ohio State has been waiting more than 10 months for another opportunity against Indiana. On Saturday, the Buckeyes finally get their chance.

No. 4 Ohio State (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) visits No. 5 Indiana (6-0, 3-0) at noon ET in a colossal rematch of last December's Big Ten Championship Game, when the Hoosiers stunned the Buckeyes 13-10 before going on to win the national championship.

Indiana has won 22 consecutive games under Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers are coming off a narrow 20-17 victory over Nebraska, while Ohio State defeated Maryland 45-16 last Saturday.

This matchup is far tougher than anything the Buckeyes have faced since their 24-23 loss at Texas.

Indiana averages more than 40 points per game while allowing fewer than 12. Its defense has recorded 20 sacks through six games, and quarterback Josh Hoover leads an offense capable of beating opponents through the air or on the ground.

For Ohio State, Saturday is an opportunity to prove it has corrected the mistakes that cost it the Big Ten title last December and take the inside track to this season's Big Ten Championship Game.

Players to Watch

• Phillip Daniels — Ohio State's right tackle is expected to return after missing four consecutive games with a lower-body injury suffered against Texas. His return is welcome news, particularly with Austin Siereveld sidelined, but Daniels struggled in pass protection before getting hurt. Now he faces one of the toughest assignments of his career. Indiana defensive ends Stephen Daley and Tobi Osunsanmi have combined for 10 sacks this season, and the Hoosiers sacked Sayin five times in last year's championship game. Daniels will need to get back up to game speed quickly against two talented edge rushers who can take over a game. If he struggles, Sayin could spend much of the afternoon running for his life.

• Julian Sayin — Sayin's performance against Indiana in last year's Big Ten Championship Game left a lot to be desired. He's been outstanding for much of his Ohio State career, but questions remain about his ability to deliver against elite opponents in the biggest moments. Saturday gives him a chance to silence those critics. The Buckeyes will need their quarterback at his best if they're going to leave Bloomington with a victory.

• Ohio State Defensive Line — Indiana's passing attack gets plenty of attention, but the Hoosiers can be just as dangerous running the football. Turbo Richard has rushed for 597 yards while averaging an impressive 8.4 yards per carry, and Lee Beebe Jr. has added 551 yards and four touchdowns. Ohio State's defensive front must control the line of scrimmage and prevent Indiana from establishing its running game. If the Buckeyes can make the Hoosiers one-dimensional, Matt Patricia can focus more attention on pressuring Hoover and helping the secondary contain Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. But if Richard and Beebe consistently find running lanes, Indiana's offense will be difficult to stop.

Game Information

Notes

• Indiana has won 22 consecutive games, including last season's national championship.

• Ohio State has won four straight since its loss at Texas.

• The Hoosiers have recorded 20 sacks through six games.

• Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover has thrown 17 touchdowns without an interception this season.

• Austin Siereveld and Ja'Kobi Jackson are ruled out for Ohio State.

• Indiana held the Buckeyes to 10 points and sacked Sayin five times in last year's Big Ten Championship Game.

Prediction

I expect Ohio State to come out with something to prove Saturday, and I believe Julian Sayin is going to lead the way.

Sayin has heard the criticism about his performances in big games, including this one last year, and this is an opportunity to answer it against the same team that ended Ohio State's Big Ten title hopes last season. I expect him to be sharp, make good decisions, and deliver some big throws to Jeremiah Smith and Devin McCuin.

Bo Jackson should also have a solid afternoon. With Ja'Kobi Jackson unavailable, Bo will have an opportunity to carry more of the workload, and Ohio State needs him to keep the offense out of difficult third-down situations.

Defensively, I like the matchup for the Buckeyes if they can slow Indiana's running game. Richard and Beebe are dangerous, but Ohio State has the personnel up front to make them work for their yards.

That would put more pressure on Hoover, and I believe the Buckeye secondary is up to the challenge. Becker and Marsh are talented receivers, but Ohio State's defensive backs have been playing very good football, and I expect that to continue Saturday.

Indiana hasn't lost in nearly two years, and winning in Bloomington won't be easy. But I believe Ohio State is the better team, and I expect the Buckeyes to show out.

Sayin delivers, Jackson provides balance, and the defense makes enough plays to end Indiana's winning streak.

Ohio State 31, Indiana 16