No. 2 Ohio State dominates No. 5 Indiana in critical Big Ten showdown
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Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka catches 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Howard. Jay LaPrete/AP
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a dominant performance against the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers, securing a crucial 38-15 victory in a key Big Ten showdown. The win not only handed Indiana its first loss of the season but also strengthened Ohio State’s position in the race for the conference title.
The game began with an early spark from Indiana, who quickly capitalized on their opening drive. Running back Ty Son Lawton powered through for a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Hoosiers a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. However, Ohio State would respond with a relentless offensive and defensive surge that would turn the tide in their favor.
In the second quarter, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard connected with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for an 11-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7. The momentum shifted further in the Buckeyes’ favor late in the first half when Indiana senior punter James Evans mishandled a snap from his own 30-yard line. The ball slipped through his hands, and Ohio State recovered it on Indiana’s 7-yard line. Three plays later, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson powered through for a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead going into halftime.
The Buckeyes came out firing in the third quarter, with a memorable special teams play from punt returner Caleb Downs. Downs fielded the ball and raced 79 yards for a touchdown, marking Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014, also against Indiana. This electrifying play gave the Buckeyes a commanding 21-7 lead.
Later in the quarter, Howard found tight end Jelani Thurman in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown pass, further extending Ohio State’s lead to 28-7. The Hoosiers had no answer to the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower and stifling defense. In the fourth quarter, Ohio State capped off the scoring with a 45-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 38-7.
Indiana managed a late touchdown, but it was clear that Ohio State’s performance was too much for the Hoosiers to overcome. The Buckeyes’ defense was particularly impressive, limiting Indiana to just 148 total yards of offense, the fewest yards allowed against a ranked opponent since 2007. Ohio State’s dominance on both sides of the ball was a clear statement as they prepared for the final stretch of the regular season.
“We said leave no doubt,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said after the game. “We wanted to finish it the right way and make sure that everybody knows that this is the Ohio State Buckeyes.” Day was pleased with his team’s physicality and focus, adding, “I thought we played physical all across the board. Our guys had a great look in their eyes and so now it’s on to the rivalry game.”
With the win, Ohio State has now extended its dominance over Indiana, claiming 30 consecutive victories against the Hoosiers. Both teams are tied for second place in the Big Ten standings with 7-1 conference records. Ohio State’s win sets up a thrilling finish to the regular season, with the Buckeyes, along with Penn State, in contention for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Looking ahead, the final weekend of regular season play will determine who will face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten championship on December 7 in Indianapolis. Ohio State will host rival Michigan in Columbus, Indiana will take on Purdue in Bloomington, and Penn State will face Maryland at Beaver Stadium in Pennsylvania. If Ohio State wins their rivalry game, they will secure a spot in the championship game. However, if they lose to Michigan, Penn State could take their place, provided the Nittany Lions win their remaining two games.
While Ohio State controls its destiny, Indiana is still in the mix with a chance to claim a Big Ten title. If the Hoosiers win their final game and Ohio State and Penn State both lose, Indiana could still find their way to the Big Ten Championship.
The next few weeks promise to be exciting for Big Ten football fans, with crucial matchups that will ultimately decide the conference champion and who will have the chance to take on Oregon for a shot at national glory.
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