Not too many folks would have guessed that the Indiana Hoosiers would be 4-0 and a top 10 team at this point in the year. But as they head into a tough matchup with the dominant Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, here we are.
Neither of these teams has taken a defeat yet, and a potential opportunity to finish the year at No. 1 in the rankings could greet the winner of this game.
The Hoosiers picked up eight wins under Tom Allen a year ago. The two years prior, they finished the season under .500.
This sudden improvement is great to see from a program that has struggled to be great for a long time. If they are able to pull this win off, they could be looking at a first-place finish in the Big Ten East.
Ohio State’s game last week didn’t happen due to COVID-19 concerns for Maryland, so it’ll be fresh coming into this one. The Buckeyes won all three of their games to date by double-digits. And Justin Fields has been on a tear this season.
This may seem like a walk in the park for the Buckeyes, but they’d best be ready for the Hoosiers.
The spread for Saturday’s noon ET kickoff favors the Buckeyes by 20.5 points. The over/under is set at 66.5.
Hoosiers Seeking A Major Upset
You have to back to 1990 to find an Indiana-Ohio State matchup that didn’t end a Buckeyes win. And another three years to find the last Hoosier victory.
That’s right. Thirty-three years have come and gone since they have won in a series in which there is a matchup every season.
Michael Penix Jr. has been slinging the ball well, throwing for 1,070 yards and nine touchdowns. He has three interceptions but has added two scores on the ground. Stevie Scott III has amassed 319 yards on the ground and five scores.
The defense will have to step up in a major way for Indiana to win. Given that Justin Fields has completed 72-of-83 passes (!) in 2020, this is no small task. This is perhaps the best offense in the country.
Buckeyes Seek 4-0 Start
Since Ryan Day took over as coach, Ohio State hasn’t missed a beat. It’s always hard to replace Urban Meyer as the full-time coach, but he’s done an amazing job. Fields is looking like one of the best in college football again, and the team is yet to be defeated.
Fields has 11 touchdowns to no interceptions and has amassed 908 yards. He’s found great chemistry with his top wideouts Garrett Wilson (24-344-2) and Chris Olave (18-288-4) this year. And that should continue to hold true on Saturday.
Tommy Togiai is helping his draft stock with his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. He’s recorded three sacks through the team’s first three games, with more possibly on the horizon.
Indiana Will NOT Make History
Another year will go by before the Hoosiers can beat Ohio State. Fields and company are still on another level. But, the game will be closer than predicted, so bet the underdogs.
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