In what could be the most consequential Big Ten matchup of the season, No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1) will face off against the undefeated No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers (10-0) in a game that has shocked the college football world. Nobody except Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti could have predicted this matchup would carry such weight in the race for the Big Ten title.
The stakes couldn’t be higher at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The winner moves closer to punching their ticket to Indianapolis for the conference championship. At the same time, the loser will need considerable help to keep their College Football Playoff dreams alive.
“This is far from your typical Ohio State-Indiana matchup,” says veteran college football analyst Mike Thompson. “The Hoosiers have transformed from a basketball-first school into a legitimate football powerhouse this season.”
The numbers tell a compelling story. Indiana brings the nation’s second-best scoring offense, averaging 43.9 points per game, against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense, which has held opponents to just 10.3 points per game. Even more impressive, the Buckeyes allowed a mere 7.3 points per game at home.
Critical Injuries Could Shift The Battle
The Buckeyes face significant challenges upfront. Left tackle Josh Simmons and center Seth McLaughlin are both out for the season, leaving crucial gaps in Ohio State’s offensive line. This could spell trouble against Indiana’s aggressive defense, which ranks 13th nationally with 7.3 tackles for loss per game.
The Battle Of Strengths
Indiana’s offense has proven its resilience on the road, dropping only slightly from its home scoring average to 43.3 points per game. However, they haven’t faced a defense of Ohio State’s caliber this season. The Hoosiers’ quarterback will need to contend with a Buckeye defense that has stifled every offense they’ve faced at home.
Ohio State’s quarterback, Will Howard, faces his challenges. He’s shown vulnerability under pressure this season, recording seven fumbles and struggling with accuracy when forced out of the pocket. Indiana’s Mikail Kamara, who leads the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks, will be looking to exploit this weakness.
Historical Context
The Buckeyes enter this game, riding an impressive 28-game winning streak against Indiana. However, this year’s matchup features unprecedented circumstances, with both teams ranked in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time in series history.
What The Experts Say
Computer models heavily favor the Buckeyes, with the College Football Power Index giving Ohio State a 73.4% chance of victory. The betting markets agree, installing Ohio State as a 10.5-point favorite with 53.5 points.
The Bottom Line
While Indiana has impressed with its perfect record, it hasn’t faced a team of Ohio State’s caliber this season. The Hoosiers are 3-9 against the spread when facing ranked teams over the past three seasons, which could be telling. However, their high-powered offense ensures they can’t be counted out.
Game Information:
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Time: noon ET
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- TV: Fox
- Streaming: fubo
As college football fans nationwide tune in, one thing is sure: this game will reshape the College Football Playoff landscape and potentially write a new chapter in Big Ten history.
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