Hoosiers Overmatched Against Ohio State, but Changing of the Guard at QB Coming

Written by Matt Smith

Indiana took their six game losing streak to Columbus on Saturday to take on the number two team in the country. Ohio State is stronger at every level of the field and it showed as the Hoosiers lost 56-14.

The Hoosiers struggled on the offensive side of the ball as Connor Bazelak returned at quarterback. Indiana quickly fell behind 21-0 and weren’t able to make any sort of comeback.

Bazelak was only given three drives in his return to the team.

Ohio State began the game with a quick touchdown to Emeka Egbuka. Following a 58 yard touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr, Tom Allen elected to go with Dexter Williams at quarterback.

“The plan was always to play Dexter,” Allen said postgame. “I thought he got some really good experience today.”

Williams led an efficient first quarter touchdown drive which ended in an AJ Barner touchdown. Williams finished the game with two touchdown passes and 107 yards through the air. However, he went 6-19 and was sacked four times.

"We tried to maximize Dexter without putting too much on him,” Allen said. “I liked what I saw from him.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hoosiers were overmatched by the talent on the Buckeyes roster. Ohio State was able to rush for 340 yards including 147 yards from Miyan Williams before he was injured during the second half.

Dallan Hayden also rushed for 107 yards for the Buckeyes. Xavier Johnson tacked on a 71 yard rushing touchdown as well. 

"With all the play-makers they have, they put you in a tough situation,” Allen said. “You try and double-cover a couple guys. I was disappointed in the explosive plays given up, especially the run game."

Allen attributed Ohio State’s success in the run game to losing the battle up front against the Buckeyes’ offensive line.

"We got whipped up front... D-line has to be better, linebackers have to fit the run better. Our front 7, that's what I put it on,” Allen said.

On the special teams side of the ball, it was not pretty for either side with a muffed punt by Ohio State, recovered by the Hoosiers late in the game. However, the Hoosiers had a blocked punt in the first half that resulted in a touchdown for the Buckeyes.

CJ Stroud threw for five touchdowns and 297 yards and was perfect in every aspect of the game. While Indiana rushed for 150 yards. 

Indiana only has two games remaining, and are officially out of bowl game contention. The Hoosiers will look to make some changes during the off-season and see if they can turn the program around. While Ohio State stays in play-off contention and is eyeing Michigan in two weeks.