Julian Sayin left the Ohio State versus Indiana game on October 17 with his arm in a sling after a sack in the fourth quarter, but the Buckeyes held on for a 19-15 win that ended Indiana’s 22-game home winning streak. Sayin had passed for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions before exiting the field. Coach Ryan Day said after the game that Sayin is expected to be out for "weeks."
Ohio State’s defense played a major role in the victory, forcing two fumbles against a Hoosiers offense that hadn’t lost possession via fumble in 1,437 plays—the longest active streak in the FBS. Freshman Jay Timmons delivered a perfectly timed peanut punch on Indiana’s opening drive of the second half, knocking the ball loose and setting up a Buckeyes field goal. Later, safety Jaylen McClain blew past the offensive line on a fourth-and-4 play, sacking Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover and forcing another fumble that prevented a potential score.
Indiana’s offense struggled to find consistency. Hoover completed 20 of 40 passes and was sacked once. The Hoosiers’ running game failed to gain traction, with Turbo Richard averaging only 2.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s rushing attack took a hit from injuries to offensive lineman Austin Siereveld and running back Ja'Kobi Jackson. Bo Jackson averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, but Isaiah West stepped up in the second half, finishing with six carries for 45 yards.
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s wide receiver, was tightly covered throughout the game, often facing double coverage with a cornerback on the line and a defensive back trailing. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti had suggested stopping Smith by pressuring Sayin, and the strategy worked. After completing his first four passes, Sayin went 6-for-17 for the rest of the first half, missing open receivers and showing little mobility to evade defenders.
Sayin’s interceptions both came while targeting Smith. The first came early when Sayin forced a pass that was tipped by Indiana cornerback Jamari Sharpe and intercepted by defensive back Amare Ferrell. The second interception also went to Ferrell after a badly underthrown pass to Smith in the third quarter.
Smith finally broke through in the fourth quarter with a 38-yard touchdown catch on a fourth-and-1 play. Sayin threw a jump ball with Smith tightly covered, but Smith managed to pivot and box out both defenders for the score. Later, Smith drew three defenders on a fourth-and-goal play, creating space for Bo Jackson to score a touchdown. Wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. also contributed with catches of 21 and 30 yards during that drive.
Ohio State’s offense earned a modest two-leaf grade, reflecting struggles with execution and red zone playcalling. The Buckeyes frequently lined up near the goal line without Smith on the field, limiting their threat. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s decision to involve Smith in the spread formation on the successful fourth-down touchdown was a standout moment.
On defense, Ohio State earned four leaves. The unit disrupted Indiana’s rhythm with pressure and takeaways, including disguised blitzes that led to McClain’s sack. Despite some vulnerabilities in one-on-one coverage—Indiana’s Charlie Becker caught nine passes for 165 yards—the defense held firm in critical moments. The final defensive stand was aided by a missed opportunity from Indiana, as a potential catch by Nick Marsh was ruled out of bounds.
Special teams also contributed solidly. Kicker Connor Hawkins converted two short field goals, a marked improvement from a previous 13-10 Big Ten title game loss to Indiana. Punter Joe MacGuire landed three kicks inside the 20-yard line, while return and coverage units avoided mistakes.
Coaching earned three leaves. Ohio State’s decision to go for it on fourth down paid off, but there remains room for improvement in red zone strategy and offensive consistency. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s plans to disguise blitzes paid dividends against an experienced Indiana offense.
Officials received two leaves for inconsistency. On one occasion, Indiana’s Preston Zachman lifted Smith off the ground without a pass interference call. On the final play, there appeared to be holding against linebacker Riley Pettijohn, though no flag was thrown. The game ended with Ohio State holding a narrow lead despite navigating the loss of their starting quarterback.
According to Yahoo Sports.
