Keys to a Hoosier Upset Over the Buckeyes

Written by Evan Orris

The Big Ten does not get any easier.

Last week, the Indiana Hoosiers suffered a 20-15 loss to the No. 9 ranked Michigan State Spartans. For Tom Allen and crew, it was their fourth game against a ranked opponent. They are 0-4 in those games and currently stand at just 2-4 on the season. Now they’ll have another shot to take down a ranked team with the No.5 Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes, led by a potential Heisman candidate in redshirt freshman C.J Stroud, have won four in a row since falling to Oregon in the second week of the season. However, they have looked like a new team since. Stroud, in particular, has found his rhythm in his young career. Here’s what the Hoosiers must-do for a chance to win.

1.      Executing inside the Red Zone

Last week, the Hoosiers had many opportunities inside the red zone but squandered them. Early in the game, quarterback Jack Tuttle managed to lead the offense down towards the red zone. Both times, they only came away with three points.

This only added to the red zone woes that have been plaguing the offense since the beginning of the season. Before the game, the team only scored touchdowns in 11 of their 21 red zone attempts. On Saturday, the struggling offense did not score until the fourth quarter. It is something that needs to change as you can’t squander a drive and come away with three points against a ranked opponent. And Tom Allen knows that too.

“Obviously, we know what the objective is. We got to score points. We did move the football. But especially in the first half. 46 snaps, 46 plays, nine points, it's not good enough,” Allen said. “Got to score points. Can't be kicking those field goals as many as we did. Glad we made 'em, but at the same time you knew it was going to need more than that. Obviously we didn't.” 

2.     Win the turnover battle

All season long Tom Allen has preached that the defense needs to create turnovers to help the offense. Against Michigan State, the defense was able to pick off Peyton Thorne twice. However, the Hoosiers still managed to lose the turnover battle 3-2. Tuttle was picked off twice and managed to lose a crucial fumble when he could have been the hero and scored a go-ahead touchdown. To beat a top team such as Ohio State, the defense will again need to force turnovers. The offense will need to secure the ball.  

“The two picks were costly. One was pressured, one was not. We have to protect the football, even when you're pressured,” Allen said. “Defense is playing at a high level, so just protect the football. That's the biggest takeaway. Decisions, he made some mistakes, but it's his first time starting this year.

3.     Contain the explosive Ohio State receivers

The Buckeyes have two NFL caliber receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Olave has 494 yards and seven touchdowns on the season, while Wilson has 546 yards and six touchdowns. The two form arguably the best wide receiver duo in college football. They need to be contained this Saturday. 

The task might get even tougher if Tiawan Mullen and Reese Taylor—who missed last week’s game—can’t play. However, Josh Sanguinetti and Noah Pierre played spectacularly in their absence. Sanguinetti had a pick while Pierre, the safety converted to corner, added nine tackles and an interception. This week will be another chance for them to earn more playing time, even when the starters return.

“Those guys have to continue to show up. We need more guys to do that at other positions as well. That's part of recruiting guys. We need 'em. This team has to rise up,” Allen said of the cornerbacks. “Opportunity is created because oftentimes injuries from other guys around you. When this opportunity comes, we're going to see who is going to step up and take advantage of it.”