IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Ohio State If…

A top-five showdown is set for Bloomington on Saturday, as the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are entering Memorial Stadium 5-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play. After a comeback victory over Nebraska, the Hoosiers will need to carry that momentum with them. In a matchup between two of the nation’s best, everything will come down who can capitalize in every moment. The Hoosiers will raise the victory flag if…

Limiting Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith

After an opening season loss to Texas, Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin has been difficult to ignore. Against Texas, Sayin completed just 53.1% of his passes. A week later, he rebounded, with an 81.8% completion rate. Over six games, he’s now sitting at a completion rating of 71.2%. Sayin orchestrates the offense and rarely turns the ball over. However, Sayin’s Achilles ‘ heel becomes apparent under pressure. Sayin’s completion percentage drops from 75.6% in a clean pocket down to 55.6% under pressure. Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines will likely play to this weakness, meaning Mario Landino and Tyrique Tucker must be ready to muddy up the pocket and force mistakes.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is an extension of Sayin’s talent, and if not taken seriously, Smith could become the Achilles ‘ heel of Indiana. Smith has totaled 48 receptions for 916 yards on the season so far. He has already recorded 11 touchdowns, just one shy of his season high in 2025. He averages an impressive 19.1 yards per reception. The Hoosiers must limit Smith’s ability to get large chunk plays, especially in the red zone. Indiana safeties can’t be caught flat-footed, and they must be aggressive on the 50-50 ball. The Hoosiers must also find a way to force turnovers. A year ago, the Hoosiers totaled ten turnovers at this time; however, this year the Hoosiers have come up with just four, Saturday marks the perfect opportunity to add to that number.

Contesting catches and pressuring the pocket will be key in the Hoosiers’ ability to knock Ohio State out of rhythm and secure the win on Saturday.

Overall Productivity on Offense

Ohio State is ranked at No. 4 overall in total defense, allowing 246.8 yards per game. Indiana cannot rely on big chunk plays to carry momentum; they will need to focus on explosive short plays that move the chains. The Hoosiers are also 40th in the nation on third downs, so Mike Shannahan and this offense will have to stay ahead of the chains on early downs. Third-and-long situations will not bode well against this Buckeyes team, so the Hoosiers will need to lean into early down rushing and quick-down passing plays.

Those early down gains will fall onto Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard, who have, in recent weeks, propelled this offense forward. Strong performances from Beebe and Richard will allow Shanahan to incorporate more play action and pull Ohio State’s linebackers toward the line, creating opportunities for players like Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh.