Hoosiers Fall Short in Shootout in Columbus

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers have not beaten the Ohio State Buckeyes since 1988 and IU’s lengthy losing streak to the Big Ten’s premier program did not end today. Ohio State’s explosive offense proved to be too much and despite a strong effort from the Hoosiers, the third-ranked Buckeyes pulled away late for a 49-26 victory to maintain their position in the College Football Playoff hunt. The defeat dropped the Hoosiers to 4-2 heading into a pivotal Homecoming clash against the Iowa Hawkeyes next Saturday. IU’s offense performed better than expected, opening up the vertical passing game in a way not previously seen with Peyton Ramsey at quarterback. The redshirt sophomore threw for 322 yards and three touchdowns as IU finished with 406 yards of offense. It was no match for Dwayne Haskins though. The Heisman contender had 455 yards and six touchdowns and the Buckeyes overwhelmed IU’s defense for a contested, but ultimately comfortable, win.

Indiana began with the ball and a long run by Stevie Scott put the Hoosiers inside of the red zone. However, offensive pass interference was called on Donavan Hale (a recurring theme this season) and IU was forced to settle for a 39 yard field goal from Logan Justus. The Buckeyes first possession was stymied by a Mike Weber fumble that was recovered by Cam Jones at the 38 yard line but the Hoosiers were unable to capitalize, failing to convert on a fourth and three from the Ohio State 29 yard line. The Buckeyes quickly took advantage of the possession, marching down the field for a 71 yard touchdown drive that was capped off by a J.K. Dobbins one yard plunge. Indiana was unable to score and Ohio State took over at the 22 yard line. Again, their offense surged into Indiana territory and Dwayne Haskins tossed a perfect 39 yard strike to Johnny Dixon for a touchdown to put OSU ahead 14-3. The Hoosiers responded well, refusing to let the Buckeyes trounce them early. Ramsey connected with multiple receivers and then found Peyton Hendershot on a well-constructed play for a 32 yard touchdown to make it 14-10. The only way Indiana slowed Haskins was getting pressure on him and they did so on the next drive as Cam Jones hit Haskins as he was throwing and Devon Matthews intercepted the wayward pass at the 30. Indiana got some help with a defensive holding penalty on Ohio State and then Peyton Ramsey and Nick Westbrook hooked up for a 19 yard score to give IU a 17-14 lead in the second quarter.

The Buckeyes answered, getting inside scoring territory quickly and Haskins threw a 19 yard touchdown to Parris Campbell to give the Buckeyes the lead back. Reese Taylor fumbled on the next play and the Buckeyes took advantage of the excellent field position, scoring on yet another Haskins touchdown, this one to Terry McLaurin. The Hoosiers answered before halftime, getting into Ohio State territory with another big play to Nick Westbrook and Logan Justus hit another field goal with less than a minute until halftime to make the score 28-20. Indiana had a stunning 317 yards of offense at halftime but the Buckeyes had a the eight point advantage.

The second half began poorly for Indiana as Haskins found Parris Campbell wide open on a busted coverage and he scampered for a 71 yard touchdown score to give Ohio State a 35-20 lead. IU then went three and out and it appeared the route was on. However, the IU defensive line began to get pressure on Haskins and Nile Sykes got a sack to force Ohio State into their first punt of the afternoon. The Hoosiers got into Ohio State territory but Peyton Ramsey fumbled at midfield and then Indiana stuffed the Buckeyes on fourth and one as the defenses stepped up for both squads. IU hung around with Peyton Ramsey hitting Donavan Hale from the nine yard line to make it 35-26. The Hoosiers curiously went for two, attempting to make it 35-28 but the conversion attempt was failed. Again, the Hoosiers got to Haskins and forced a bad throw, this one being intercepted by Bryant Fitzgerald and IU had a great opportunity to get even closer. They were unable to score but punter Haydon Whitehead pinned the Buckeyes at the four and then the Indiana defense forced OSU to punt from their own end zone. It was a poor punt and IU took over at the OSU 33 but they failed to move the ball and missed on a 50-yard field goal attempt. Dwayne Haskins converted a couple of third downs and then found Terry McLaurin for another score, making it 42-26 and effectively ending the contest. Haskins would add another long touchdown pass, capping his incredible afternoon to make the final score 49-26.

The Buckeyes are 6-0 and heavy favorites to reach the regular season finale against Michigan at 11-0. IU is now 4-2, with a huge game against the Iowa Hawkeyes next Saturday at noon in Bloomington.