COLUMBUS — Ohio State's defense has received plenty of attention following Saturday's 19-15 victory over defending national champion Indiana, and deservedly so. But another part of the Buckeyes' performance deserves some recognition.
Special teams played an important role in a game decided by just four points, with Ohio State getting reliable kicking and punting while Indiana did not.
And considering the fun Indiana had with its field-goal promotion before Saturday's matchup, the outcome was a little amusing.
Hawkins Delivers When Needed
Ohio State kicker Connor Hawkins entered Saturday's game having made four of six field-goal attempts this season. His performance had been somewhat inconsistent, and the Buckeyes certainly didn't need any missed opportunities in a game against a top-five opponent.
Hawkins delivered, converting both of his attempts in Bloomington.
His first was a 26-yard field goal on Ohio State's opening possession, giving the Buckeyes an early 3-0 lead. He added a 29-yarder early in the third quarter, extending Ohio State's advantage to 13-7.
Neither kick was difficult by college football standards, but both counted. In a game decided by four points, those six points were valuable.
Punter Joe McGuire also turned in a solid performance, averaging 44.4 yards on five punts, with a long of 52 yards. Two of his punts landed inside Indiana's 20-yard line, helping Ohio State manage field position against a dangerous Hoosiers offense.
The Buckeyes weren't perfect on special teams, but the kicking and punting units handled their responsibilities when Ohio State needed them.
Indiana's Kicking Problems Add an Ironic Twist
Before Saturday's game, Indiana promoted a commemorative popcorn bucket designed like a miniature football field-goal setup, complete with a ball that fans could kick through the uprights.
It was a clever promotion that drew some laughs at Ohio State's expense, given the Buckeyes' kicking woes in recent years.
Unfortunately for Indiana, the joke didn't age particularly well. No, not unfortunately for Inidiana at all, really. They got what they deserved.
Hoosiers kicker Nico Radicic missed both of his field-goal attempts Saturday. His first came from 32 yards in the second quarter, and he later missed from 55 yards in the third.
Although the 55-yard attempt was a difficult kick, the Hoosiers finished the afternoon without a successful field goal.
Meanwhile, Ohio State made both of its attempts and left Bloomington with the victory. And the last laugh.
A Positive Step for Ohio State
Ryan Day has been critical of special teams at times, and Ohio State has experienced enough kicking frustrations in recent seasons to make fans nervous whenever the field-goal unit takes the field.
Saturday wasn't a complete test of the Buckeyes' kicking game. Hawkins wasn't asked to attempt anything from long range, and special teams still had areas that could use improvement.
But Ohio State got six points from its kicker, solid production from its punter, and enough field-position help to contribute to an important conference victory.
The defense may have been the biggest reason Ohio State escaped Bloomington with a win, but special teams held up its end of the bargain.
What's Next
Ohio State has a bye this Saturday before traveling to USC on October 31. The Buckeyes then return home to face Oregon on November 7.
