COLUMBUS — Ohio State's trip to Bloomington on Saturday represents its biggest challenge since September's loss to Texas, and the Buckeyes will need outstanding performances from their best players to defeat the undefeated Hoosiers.
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes enter the game 5-1 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, while No. 5 Indiana is 6-0 after escaping Nebraska with a 20-17 victory last weekend. The matchup also provides Ohio State an opportunity to avenge last season's 13-10 loss to the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Indiana enters Saturday's contest with one of the nation's most effective defenses, allowing just 11.8 points and 237.8 yards per game. The Hoosiers also feature an aggressive pass rush that could create problems for an Ohio State offensive line still dealing with injuries.
For the Buckeyes to leave Bloomington with a victory, three offensive players will be especially important.
1. Julian Sayin — Quarterback
Sayin has established himself as one of college football's most productive quarterbacks, but Indiana sacked Sayin five times during last season's Big Ten Championship Game, repeatedly disrupting Ohio State's offense and limiting the Buckeyes to just 10 points. The Hoosiers have continued applying pressure this season, with defensive ends Tobi Osunsami and Stephen Daley recording five sacks apiece.
Ohio State expects right tackle Phillip Daniels to return after missing four games, which should help stabilize the offensive line. However, the absence of Austin Siereveld creates another challenge for a unit that will need to communicate effectively in a hostile road environment.
Sayin threw four touchdown passes against Maryland last Saturday, but his performance wasn't without mistakes, and this week Indiana will pressure him relentlessly.
The Buckeyes cannot afford those same mistakes against an opponent capable of taking advantage of extra possessions. Sayin doesn't need to produce spectacular numbers Saturday, but he must protect the football, recognize pressure, and give Ohio State's playmakers opportunities to make a difference.
2. Jeremiah Smith — Wide Receiver
Smith has become the centerpiece of Ohio State's passing attack, and Indiana will undoubtedly devote considerable attention to keeping him under control.
The junior caught two touchdown passes against Maryland, giving him 11 receiving touchdowns this season and 38 for his Ohio State career. Already the school's career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, Smith is now approaching the Big Ten's career receiving touchdown record.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has acknowledged the difficulty of containing Smith, whose combination of size, speed, and route-running ability creates problems even when opposing defenses assign multiple defenders to him.
Against Iowa, Smith caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns despite drawing considerable attention from the Hawkeyes' secondary. His ability to produce against defenses specifically designed to stop him has become one of Ohio State's biggest advantages.
However, Saturday presents a different challenge. Indiana has enough defensive talent to pressure Sayin while simultaneously providing additional coverage help against Smith.
That could require offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to move Jeremiah around the formation, creating favorable matchups and preventing the Hoosiers from consistently identifying where Ohio State's most dangerous receiver will line up.
If Indiana can limit Smith without compromising the rest of its defense, Ohio State's offense could have difficulty maintaining its usual rhythm. If Smith continues producing despite that attention, the Buckeyes will be considerably more difficult to stop.
3. Bo Jackson — Running Back
With Ja'Kobi Jackson ruled out of Saturday's game, Bo Jackson becomes even more important to Ohio State's offensive game plan.
The sophomore is coming off his best performance of the season, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries against Maryland. His productive afternoon helped Ohio State maintain offensive balance and prevented the Terrapins from concentrating exclusively on Sayin and the passing attack.
Indiana presents a much tougher challenge, allowing approximately 75 rushing yards per game. The Hoosiers have consistently disrupted opposing running games, forcing offenses into predictable passing situations that allow their defensive front to attack the quarterback.
With Ja'Kobi unavailable and Isaiah West listed as questionable, Jackson could receive a heavier workload than usual. Ohio State may also need contributions from freshman Legend Bey, but Jackson will likely carry much of the responsibility for establishing the rushing attack.
The Buckeyes don't necessarily need Jackson to produce another 100-yard performance. However, consistently gaining four or five yards on early downs would keep Indiana's defense honest and provide Sayin with more manageable situations.
Jackson's effectiveness could also influence Ohio State's ability to control the pace of the game. Indiana has a dangerous offense of its own, and sustained drives would help limit the Hoosiers' opportunities while allowing the Buckeyes to dictate the tempo.
An Opportunity for Redemption
Ohio State's loss to Indiana in last season's Big Ten Championship Game remains one of the defining disappointments of the Buckeyes' recent history. Saturday provides an opportunity to settle that score while strengthening Ohio State's position in the conference championship race.
Sayin and Smith give Ohio State one of the most dangerous passing combinations in college football, but Jackson's ability to provide balance could be just as important against Indiana's aggressive defense.
The Buckeyes have the talent to win in Bloomington. Whether these three players can deliver against one of the nation's best defenses may determine the outcome.
