Hoosier Huddle's Game Day Primer: Indiana Hoosiers at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes
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Week Ten Primer – Ohio State Buckeyes
Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
What: Indiana Hoosiers (3-6) at Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0)
When: Saturday, November 12 at Noon EST
Where: Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe) in Columbus, OH
How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on FOX and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.
Series History: As is the case with each of the other giants in the Big Ten East, the series history against Ohio State is a lopsided one. In fact, no opponent has manhandled the Hoosiers more than the Buckeyes have. OSU has won 26 straight contests between the two with IU last beating Ohio State in 1988 (a 41-7 waxing by Bill Mallory’s squad). The two teams have played a total of 94 times with Indiana winning only 12 games.
What’s at Stake: Indiana would officially lose a shot at bowl eligibility with a loss in Columbus and it appears far more likely they’ll suffer a second straight blowout defeat than pull off a miracle at the Horseshoe. In reality, IU needs to see what young players can do against the best competition in the Big Ten and begin developing for the future. The Ohio State Buckeyes played a poor game in terrible weather last week against Northwestern and they’ll be looking to get back on track as they tune-up for a showdown against Michigan.
Picks For Tonight:
Check out PicksforTonight college football computer picks to see which way their model is picking the Hoosier game and more this weekend
A FEW THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Can IU’s Offensive Line Provide Any Resistance?
The Ohio State Buckeyes will have undoubtedly watched what the defensive lines for Michigan and Penn State did to Indiana and they’ll be licking their chops. Last week, Penn State got to the quarterback at will and prevented the IU offense from getting any rhythm. After sitting out last week’s game with an accumulation of knocks and bruises, Connor Bazelak is reportedly back at quarterback for the Hoosiers. How that situation plays out is something to watch for this season and as we look to next season. Jack Tuttle was injured last week and has played his last game at IU. Dexter Williams and Brendan Sorsby both played some in relief duty with Williams having more bright spots. It's almost impossible to analyze anything with the offense though unless the offensive line can provide at least a little bit of resistance to the OSU defensive front.
2. Slowing Down a Juggernaut
Northwestern’s defense was given a huge assist from Mother Nature as rain and very strong winds grounded OSU’s offense. The weather this Saturday in Columbus is expected to be chilly but IU will not be given the same luxury the Wildcats were. Indiana will be tasked with slowing down the nation’s highest scoring offense and it’s difficult to see how to do so. The Buckeyes are averaging 45.8 points per game and 7.42 yards per play with a duo of great running backs, outstanding receivers and one of the nation’s best quarterbacks throwing behind a great offensive line. IU would do really well to keep the Buckeyes under its season average.
3. Does Indiana Fight?
To many observers, the fight appeared to have left the Hoosiers during the beatdown against Penn State. Defenders didn’t appear to be too intent on tackling physical runners, the offensive line continually got bowled over, untimely and poor penalties were called against IU. There were virtually no positives to take and Indiana appeared to have will to try and change course. That’s understandable but if the same thing happens in Columbus, IU is liable to get beat by 50+ on national TV and it would be another sign that the rot within the program has run deep.