Raise your hand if you thought Indiana would be the biggest test of the Big Ten season for Ohio State. Yeah, me either, and yet here we are. What head coach Tom Allen has done there in Bloomington is quite amazing. And it’s all been done relatively quietly in the Big Ten East division.
The Hoosiers come to town this weekend and it marks the first time in the nearly 120 year history of Ohio State vs. Indiana football games that the teams will face each other as top-ten opponents. The Hoosiers are right at No. 10 in the latest Amway Coaches Poll Powered by USA TODAY sports, and a spot higher (at No. 9) in the AP Poll.
Let’s get ready for the game of the century! Well… not quite… but you understand. At least we hope to be able to watch some football with a Scarlet and Gray hue to it this weekend as opposed to last Saturday.
NEXT … Records and broadcast information
Record
Ohio State (3-0), Indiana (4-0)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, Nov. 20
Game Time: Noon EST
Network: Fox
Venue: Ohio Stadium – Capacity – 104,944 (no fans permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions)
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 75-12-5
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Indiana 51-10 in 2019
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
Ohio State is coming off an unexpected bye week after coronavirus concerns on the Maryland football team. The Buckeyes have been cruising for the most part, but will a week off affect their play?
Ohio State will again rely heavily on Heisman contending quarterback, Justin Fields. As Fields has gone, so has the Buckeye offense. Through three games in the season, Fields has the same amount of touchdown passes as incompletions with 11 of each. That pace won’t keep up… but then again, 2020 has been a strange year.
We would still like to see the run game be dominant as in years past or at least consistent. Master Teague has become the unquestioned No. 1 back as Trey Sermon is still learning to trust a knee that was surgically repaired after an ACL tear last year while playing at Oklahoma.
Defensively, Ohio State will face another very talented quarterback whose confidence is growing by the week. Michael Penix Jr has improved his throwing ability in each game this year. After throwing for just 170 yards in an opening win against Penn State, the IU QB has thrown for over 300 yards in his last two games, both wins over Michigan and Michigan State.
The young Buckeye secondary will again be challenged as Penix Jr. will look to sling it around against a unit that has been suspect at times three games into the season. Ty Fryfogle and Whop Philyor can both take stretch it downfield. This means it will be even more important that the OSU front gets some pressure on Penix Jr.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Justin Fields – Quarterback. Justin Fields again will again need to carry the weight of the Buckeye offense. Until the running game can find some consistency, Fields will continue to work through his progressions and run when needed. Indiana is ranked in the top 20 in total defense. To stay in that elite ranking, they’ll face the next to impossible task of slowing Justin Fields and company.
Justin Fields this season
🚀 Incompletions: 11
🚀 Passing TDs: 11 pic.twitter.com/dHNyiiowdf— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 8, 2020
Sevyn Banks – Cornerback: Sevyn Banks is a guy who has been waiting his turn behind some incredibly gifted OSU corners. Now the Buckeye secondary will face an Indiana team with two downfield threats. Shaun Wade will have one, Banks the other. For Ohio State to be successful this weekend, Banks and the rest of BIA will have to step up and play well.
SEVYN BANKS WITH THE SCOOP AND SCORE! pic.twitter.com/kq9jDl4b3L
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) October 24, 2020
Next … How it’ll all do down
The prediction
In late September, Michael Penix Jr. spoke to media and claimed that Indiana could shock the world when playing the likes of Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State. So far, he and the Hoosiers are two for two. Can Penix Jr. complete the trifecta?
I don’t believe they will. Ohio State is too strong on the offensive side of the ball and Indiana won’t be able to keep pace. However, Indiana will put up some points, and don’t be shocked if the Hoosiers are still within striking distance midway through the third quarter.
Ultimately, Ohio State overpowers the upstart Hoosiers and their time in the top-ten is short-lived.
Final Score
Ohio State 52, Indiana 34
Line
Ohio State – 20.5 (Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.)
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