Very few people expected the matchup between Ohio State and Indiana to be one where both teams are in the top 10. Indiana has been a huge surprise this season, and while the Hoosiers have beaten everyone they’ve faced, it looks like none of those teams are as good as many thought going into the season. Nevertheless, Indiana is a solid team and Ohio State can not look past it.
We have looked at five reasons why the Buckeyes will win, and we did some scouting of Indiana as well this week. Within both of those were some ideas of how the Buckeyes matchup and how they can win. Let’s delve further into the five keys to an Ohio State victory.
Next … Justin Fields being — well, Justin Fields.
Justin Fields has to continue to play as he has all season.
Highest passer ratings on throws 20+ yards downfield:
1. Justin Fields – 154.4
2. Kyle Trask – 146.8
3. Zach Wilson – 141.0
4. Feleipe Franks – 137.9 pic.twitter.com/8kDZPPDIBq— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 13, 2020
One of the best things about Justin Fields this season has been his efficiency. He has taken what teams have given him and is not pressed to make unnecessary throws. He has looked at defenses and thrown to open spots and players without making a lot of mistakes.
As long as Fields can continue to be efficient — especially against an opportunistic Indiana defense — he should be able to keep the Buckeyes scoring at will. Fields can’t get panicked by pressure this game as Indiana will be looking for any errant throw to flip the field quickly.
Next … Slowing down Michael Penix Jr.
Forcing Penix Jr. to make more mistakes and keep him from making big plays.
INTERCEPTION: Michael Penix Jr. throws an interception on 3rd and 7.
He was under pressure and threw off his back foot. #iufb
— D.J. Fezler (@DJFezler) November 14, 2020
As dynamic as Michael Penix Jr. has been this year, he makes some awkward throws that have led to some interceptions chances in prime position for opponents. Penix has shown the tendency to throw a ball up when pressured this season and thrown from an unsteady base at times. None of the defenses they have faced are as good, or fast, as the Buckeyes and that should help.
If Ohio State can win the turnover battle, this game could get away from Indiana sooner rather than late. It will start on the defensive line for Ohio State, and if it can get Penix Jr. out of synch and rhythm he will make mistakes. He will make plays, but keeping the explosive play to a minimum and letting him press will help the Buckeyes to a huge win.
NEXT … The offensive line has to keep Fields clean
Indiana loves to bring pressure to cause mistakes, stop that and you stop Indiana…
Top 5 #NFLDraft interior offensive line prospects
1) Trey Smith, Tennessee
2) Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
3) Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
4) Tommy Kraemer, Notre Dame
5) Josh Myers, Ohio StateThere is a lot of mid tier talent at this position too.
— John Vogel 🦃 (@johndavogel) November 11, 2020
The Ohio State offensive line has had some ups and downs this season, and against Indiana, it needs to be on point. The off-week should help it going into the Indiana game, and it has to step up to stop the onslaught that Indiana will want to bring. Indiana relies on the pass rush to force mistakes and stopping that will stop Indiana’s opportunistic tendency.
With Indiana playing a lot of zone, stopping the Hoosiers pass rush and giving time for the receivers to get into the soft spots will be a huge key to victory. The line has to play better this week and I think it will. Opening lanes for the run game will help, but keeping Fields clean will be the ultimate key.
NEXT … Force Indiana to be behind the chains early
The Hoosiers will try to grind the clock, slow them up early
On the offensive side of the ball. One glaring weakness for Indiana is their inability to run the ball.
Only averaging 95 yards per game on the ground.
#8 Stevie Scott – 3.6 ypc
#24 Sampson James – 3.2 ypc41 total rushing yards again PSU pic.twitter.com/vKgLeLkgYd
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) November 16, 2020
The Hoosiers have two huge running backs that will grind the clock and punish defenders. Stevie Scott and Sampson James are both over six-feet tall and weigh more than 220 pounds. Stopping them from getting yards in early downs will force Penix to throw. Forcing him to throw goes back to key forcing the Hoosier QB into some uncomfortable situations.
While the running back duo have not gained a lot of yards per game, they are used in short-yardage situations to get a first down and keep the clock running. Keeping the game close will be a key for Indiana, and if the Buckeyes can get to where the defense can pin its ears back and pressure Penix, it can increase the odds of him making a mistake. The Buckeyes should be able to slow that running attack down, and a one-dimensional team is much easier to game plan against.
NEXT … Keep the explosive plays to a minimum
Keep the lid on big plays for Indiana
Indiana Offense has been meh for the most part today other than Fryfoggle. Could be up by 40. Left at least 24 points on the field so far…
— BigRedSuburban (@BigRedSuburban) November 14, 2020
Looking at the box scores for Indiana could be very misleading if you don’t dig any deeper. While Michael Penix Jr. has been solid, the only other dynamic weapon on Indiana is Ty Fryfogle. The rest of the offense has had moments, but Fryfogle is by far their biggest weapon. The speed and athleticism of Ohio State should be too much for the Hoosier offense.
If the Buckeyes can force Penix Jr. to look elsewhere this could be a long game for Indiana. Fryfogle gives them the best chance to get down the field in a hurry. In the red-zone, tight end, Peyton Hendershot can get open, but he is not used a ton outside of inside the 20. Wade should feast against Fryfogle and it could cause Penix Jr. to panic.
Bottle up the cannon shots Indiana has, and this one should end on the smiling side of the scoreboard for Ohio State.
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