COLUMBUS — Ohio State will be without two important offensive players Saturday when the fourth-ranked Buckeyes travel to Bloomington to face No. 5 Indiana. Offensive lineman Austin Siereveld and running back Ja'Kobi Jackson have both been ruled out, according to Wednesday's Big Ten availability report.

Siereveld will miss his second consecutive game after being sidelined against Maryland last Saturday because of a non-football illness. The two-time team captain has been a key member of Ohio State's offensive line, and his absence comes at a particularly difficult time against an Indiana defense that has been among the nation's best at pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Jackson's absence is a more unexpected development. The running back started Ohio State's last two games and rushed for 76 yards on 14 carries in Saturday's 45-16 victory over Maryland. His absence leaves Bo Jackson, who rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns against the Terrapins, with an even more important role in the Buckeyes' offense.

Several Starters Expected to Return

Despite losing Siereveld and Jackson, Ohio State received some encouraging news elsewhere on the injury report. Right tackle Phillip Daniels, wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin, linebacker Christian Alliegro, and nickelback Jay Timmons are all absent from Wednesday's report after missing last week's game.

Their removal from the injury list indicates they are expected to be available Saturday, although the Buckeyes will issue additional availability updates before kickoff.

Daniels' anticipated return is particularly important. Ohio State has been dealing with injuries and lineup changes along its offensive front, and Indiana's aggressive pass rush presents one of the most difficult challenges the unit will face this season.

The Hoosiers sacked Julian Sayin five times during their 13-10 victory over Ohio State in last year's Big Ten Championship Game. Keeping Sayin upright will be a major priority Saturday, especially with Siereveld unavailable.

Six Buckeyes Ruled Out, Five Questionable

Ohio State listed six players as out and another five as questionable in Wednesday's initial availability report.

Roker will also miss his second consecutive game, while the questionable designations for Rogers and West could further complicate Ohio State's running back depth behind Bo Jackson.

The Buckeyes enter Saturday's matchup at 5-1 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, while defending national champion Indiana remains unbeaten at 6-0. The game also provides Ohio State an opportunity to avenge last season's conference championship loss.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, with FOX televising the game.