Ohio State’s offensive discipline will be tested again on Oct. 17 as they face No. 4 Indiana in a rematch of last season’s Big Ten title game. The Buckeyes must cut down on penalties after racking up nine against Iowa, including five false starts, and eight more against Maryland. Those mistakes proved costly, extending drives and leading to points against them. Indiana, by contrast, is one of the most disciplined teams in college football, with just one turnover in six games and ranking fourth in fewest penalties.
The Hoosiers’ offense is also built around big plays. They rank second nationally with 41 scrimmage plays of at least 20 yards and average 7.82 yards per play, third best in the country. Running back Turbo Richard leads the nation with 10 runs over 20 yards, while wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh each have nine catches of 20-plus yards, tied for 10th most nationally. Becker is known as a deep threat, while Marsh excels at gaining yards after the catch. Ohio State’s defense has improved in limiting big plays since allowing breakdowns against Illinois three weeks ago, but they will have to maintain that progress against Indiana’s explosive weapons.
Finishing drives has been an issue for Ohio State, especially in high-pressure games. In last year’s Big Ten championship, the Buckeyes failed to score after two trips inside Indiana’s 20-yard line in the second half. This season, they converted five touchdowns in 11 red-zone trips at Iowa and Texas combined, which shows some improvement. Indiana’s defense has been less dominant near the goal line this year, allowing opponents to score touchdowns on 55% of red-zone attempts, up from 37% last season. That remains an area Ohio State will need to exploit.
The matchup up front could prove decisive. Indiana’s defensive line, strengthened by the return of Stephen Daley following a court ruling granting him a fifth year of eligibility, has contributed to the Hoosiers’ 20 sacks, third most nationally. Daley has recorded five sacks in five games. Injuries and illness have unsettled Ohio State’s offensive line this week, raising concerns about their ability to protect quarterback Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes surrendered five sacks to Indiana in last year’s meeting, and Indiana’s pass rush mixes simulated pressures with veteran personnel to create confusion. Protecting Sayin will be important if Ohio State wants to get the most out of him and running back Jeremiah Smith.
Indiana’s home record adds another layer of difficulty for Ohio State. Since coach Curt Cignetti took over the Hoosiers in 2024, they have won all 19 games at Memorial Stadium. That unbeaten streak reflects the challenges Ohio State faces on hostile turf in a game with Big Ten title implications.
The Buckeyes’ penalty issues have been a recurring problem this season. Quarterback Julian Sayin’s recent struggles, including a fumble lost after two sacks and an interception, underscore the need for cleaner execution. Indiana’s ability to limit turnovers and penalties makes every mistake likely to be costly.
Ohio State’s management of the red zone and offensive line protection will be under close scrutiny in a matchup where every play counts. The Buckeyes’ ability to contain Indiana’s big-play offense will shape the contest, just as Indiana’s pass rush and defensive discipline aim to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm.
The latest confirmed details ahead of the Oct. 17 game have Ohio State preparing to face a disciplined and explosive Indiana team with a dominant defensive front and a perfect home record under their current coach. How the Buckeyes handle penalties, limit big plays, and finish drives will determine their chances in this crucial rematch.
According to Yahoo Sports.
