Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Indiana has not beaten the Ohio State Buckeyes since 1988 and that drought was never in danger of ending on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. Michael Penix Jr. was ruled out with an undisclosed injury and the Ohio State Buckeyes obliterated the Hoosiers (2-1), 51-10. The Buckeyes (3-0) looked every bit like a College Football Playoff contender as they dominated every facet of the contest and left no doubt about who the top dog in the Big Ten is. Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins had 193 yards rushing with one touchdown and he added a receiving touchdown. Justin Fields was effective, going 14-24 for 199 yards and adding four total touchdowns. The Buckeyes outgained Indiana 519-258 and rolled to the convincing victory in their first road game of the season.

IU started with the ball and it was apparent from the very first series that the Hoosiers would have a hard time moving the ball without the threat of Michael Penix and the vertical passing game. Ohio State crowded the box and forced Indiana into a quick three and out. The Buckeyes took over at the Indiana 41 after a penalty on the punt return but the IU defense forced a 32 yard field goal attempt that was missed by the Buckeyes. It would be one of the last mistakes Ohio State make on the day. IU’s offense was forced into another quick punt and the Buckeyes started their possession at the 32 yard line. Justin Fields and Dobbins moved down the field quickly and Fields finished the drive with a three yard touchdown run. IU’s third possession was better as the Hoosiers picked up the tempo and moved across midfield, getting into scoring territory. Peyton Ramsey lobbed a pass to Donavan Hale in the end zone but he was unable to haul it in and IU had to settle for a Logan Justus field goal from 29 yards. The Indiana defense forced Ohio State to punt but IU’s offense could not convert on a third and short and the Hoosiers had to give it back to the Buckeyes. Justin Fields connected with Chris Olave for a 37 yard touchdown and the flood gates opened. Ohio State’s Olave blocked a punt that rolled out for a safety to give them a 16-3 lead and then Justin Fields found KJ Hill for a nine yard touchdown to make it 23-3. The Buckeyes scored 16 points in less than three minutes and the game was essentially over. After another poor offensive series, IU punted and J.K. Dobbins exploded for a long score to make it 30-3. IU showed a glimmer of life late in the first half as a backwards pass to Donavan Hale was then thrown forward to a wide open Peyton Hendershot for a 49 yard touchdown that made it 30-10 at halftime.

The second half was more of the same as the Buckeyes scored on their opening drive of the second half with a Fields pass to Dobbins. The Hoosiers punted it away and Master Teague ran through the IU defense for another score. Peyton Ramsey threw an interception was returned by Ohio State’s Damon Arnette for a long touchdown on the last play of the third quarter to give the Buckeyes a 51-10 advantage. The outcome long ago decided, the two teams rotated personnel extensively throughout the fourth quarter.

Indiana will hope to have Michael Penix Jr. back as soon as possible and they’ll look to rebound next Saturday against the UConn Huskies as they wrap up non-conference play and look to stay on track for a bowl bid.

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