Know Your Opponent: Indiana Faces Big Ten's Best in No. 3 Ohio State

Ohio State will return home to face the Hoosiers as the 3rd ranked team in the nation Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Head Coach: Urban Meyer

Overall: 179-31 (108-21) 17th year

Bowl Appearances at Ohio State: 5 (3-2) and Won 2014 National Title Game

2017 Record: 12-2 (8-1) B1G East

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 16 (10-6)

Mascot: Brutus Buckeye

Colors: Scarlet and Gray

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: 8 claimed (1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014)

Conference Titles: 39 (37 Big Ten 2 OC)

Heisman Winners: 7

Last Week’s Result: Won at No. 9 Penn State 27-26

2018 Record: 5-0 (2-0) Ranked 3rd in the nation

Statistical Leaders

Passing Dwayne Haskins 109-154 (70.8%) 1,464 yards, 19 TDs, 2 INTs

Rushing J.K. Dobbins 73 att. 380 yards, 5.2 YPC 4 Total TDs

Receiving Parris Campbell 26 rec. 359 yards 13.8 YPC 5 TDs

Tackles Jordan Fuller 22 Tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 4 Pass Break Ups

Talking Points

1. Another Ohio State Juggernaut

The Buckeyes are the Big Ten’s best shot at the College Football Playoff. They sit at 5-0 with wins over TCU and Penn State, both away from home and are ranked third in the country. Ohio State can do it on both sides of the ball, currently the Buckeyes rank sixth in scoring offense at 49 points per game and fourth in total offense (557 YPG). On defense the Silver Bullets allow just 18.8 points per game, which is good for 18th nationally. However, they do surrender yards as they are ranked 53rd in total defense surrendering 357 yards per contest.

2. Dwayne Haskins is a Better QB than Barrett

This is not a knock on J.T. Barrett because what he did at Ohio State was amazing and he has proven to be a great college quarterback. However, Dwayne Haskins’ ability to stretch the field vertically has changed the dynamic of the offense. Haskins has thrown for 1,464 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 70.8 percent of his passes (he has also sat a couple second halves this season). The Buckeyes now have the arm at QB needed to take advantage of the elite speed they have a receiver.

3. Linebackers Have Not Played Well in 2018

If there is a weak link on this Buckeye team, it is at linebacker, although being the weak link on OSU doesn’t mean that they stink. They are just not as good of a unit as past Buckeye teams. Ohio State is dealing with a youth movement at the position as their only impact senior at the position is Donte Booker who only has eight tackles, but three TFLs. Two sophomores, Pete Werner and Tuf Borland, along with junior Malik Harrison have been the primary linebackers in 2018. They have combined for 50 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. If there is an area where Indiana can attack it is underneath against the backers, which has been the strength of IU’s offense.

4. J.K. Dobbins and Mike Webber May be Best RB Duo in the Nation

Just because Dwayne Haskins is airing it out doesn’t mean the Buckeyes have gone all Air-Raid on the nation. Ohio State has arguably the best one-two punch at running back in the nation in J.K. Dobbins and Mike Webber. They have combined for 730 yards and six touchdowns on the ground and both average over five yards a carry. They make this Buckeyes’ offense the most complete that Indiana has seen in a very long time and will be a stiff test for the Hoosier defense.