A major concern heading into Ohio State’s matchup with Indiana is whether the Hoosiers can create enough trouble on the ground and through the air to keep the Buckeyes on edge.
One of our top sources said Indiana fifth-year quarterback Josh Hoover is the name to watch, and pushed back on the idea that Hoover isn’t a running threat. “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 attack vertically and mix in deception to force Ohio State out of rhythm.
"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 and make throws harder to finish. "Hoover is not very tall.
Our D-linemen need to get in his line of sight, get hands up and bat balls down. We did a great job of that during the Playoff run in 2024.
The source pointed to a wrinkle that worked for Oregon against Indiana last season and said it could make sense for Matt Patricia to keep in the toolbox on key downs. “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.
There was also a clear call for Ohio State to use its personnel more creatively on offense, especially in the way Julian Sayin distributes the ball. “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, this game comes down to more than matchups and scheme. He framed it as a clash of identities, with both sides carrying their own standards into the moment.
“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!"
In Other News...
Ohio State Finally Gets The Early Test Fans Have Been Waiting For
Indianas narrow win over Nebraska did more than keep the Hoosiers moving forward, it preserved some real weight around their upcoming trip to Columbus. For Ohio State, that means the early stretch finally brings the kind of opponent fans have been waiting to measure this team against, with a conference game that should reveal more than the usual September tune-up.
The Hoosiers are not the same group that rolled through last season, either. They have had to replace star quarterback Fernando Mendoza with Josh Hoover, and that change only adds another layer to a matchup already carrying plenty of interest. For Ohio State, it is the sort of test that can start answering whether the Buckeyes are exactly where they think they are, or still have some proving to do. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Faces A Right Side Decision Before Indiana
Ohio State got a little breathing room with the bye week, but the right side of its offensive line is still something worth watching before Indiana arrives. Starting right tackle Austin Siereveld sat out the Maryland game with an injury and remains questionable, leaving the Buckeyes in a spot where health and continuity matter almost as much as the matchup itself.
Phillips Daniels is back after nearly a month away and is the next man up if Siereveld is not ready. For a team trying to use the extra time wisely, the week off gives Ohio State a chance to sort through a spot that can quietly shape protection, run-game rhythm and how comfortable the offense feels coming out of the break. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Still Has Something Big To Prove Before Playoff Talk
Ohio States rise to No. 4 in the latest AP Poll reflects just how steady the Buckeyes have looked to open the season. The offense has been sharp enough to draw Heisman chatter for Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, and the attention around those two has only added to the sense that this team has the talent to stay in the national title conversation.
Indiana, though, is waiting as the first real measuring stick. The Hoosiers are ranked fifth, and the matchup looms as a clear indicator of where Ohio State really stands against an elite opponent. Until that game is played, the Buckeyes still have a major point to prove before the playoff talk gets any louder. [Read more 🡒]