A familiar kind of anxiety is hovering over Ohio State’s matchup with Indiana, and one source close to the program didn’t hide it.
The biggest concern, according to the source, starts with Indiana’s fifth-year quarterback, Josh Hoover. Despite outside chatter that Hoover isn’t much of a run threat, that idea didn’t hold water with the source.
"I've heard a lot of people say - including some of our ex-players - that Hoover is not a threat to run? Give me a break," the source said.
"That's one of my biggest concerns going into the game, Carson Beck-style on third or fourth downs. I think he'll use his legs more than Arch (Manning) did to extend plays.
The source also expects Indiana to keep taking shots downfield and mixing in the kind of schemed-up passing game that can create problems if Ohio State doesn’t generate cleaner pressure.
"I think they're also going to test us deep throughout the game. They also do some good throwback passes and misdirection using play-action. Our lack of consistency in terms of getting QB pressure is going to embolden them to go for chunk plays often, in my opinion.
Because Hoover is not very tall, the source said Ohio State’s defensive line has to affect passing lanes by getting hands up and knocking balls down. That, the source noted, was something the Buckeyes handled well during their 2024 Playoff run.
"Oregon used D-line pre-snap shifting against Indiana effectively early in their game at Autzen last year and it caused several false starts. Might not be a bad idea for Matt Patricia to have ready as an option in critical downs.
On offense, the source wants to see Julian Sayin use his eyes to manipulate the defense, while also moving Jeremiah Smith around to create openings for others. The idea, the source said, is to free up Devin McCuin, Brandon Inniss and Chris Henry Jr. by using Smith as both a weapon and a decoy.
"Eye manipulation by Julian (Sayin) would be great to see on Saturday, as well as moving Jeremiah smith around a lot, using him as a decoy to help open things up for (Devin) McCuin, (Brandon) Inniss and (Chris) Henry Jr.
For the source, the larger issue goes beyond matchups and tactics. It comes down to identity, and which team is able to impose its standard.
"Final thing: Which program mandate will prevail? IU's 'Fast-Physical-Relentless' vs.
OSU's '4-6, A to B.' Culture, preparation, fundamentals, execution and will to win.
That's what this is about. This game is deeply personal.
IU took something that meant everything to those seniors last year. This is the reckoning!"
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