The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to go on the road to play the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday in a pivotal game in the Big Ten.

Indiana is the reigning national champions, but haven’t looked as dominant this season, in large part due to quarterback Fernando Mendoza being off to the NFL. The Hoosiers squeaked by the Nebraska Cornhuskers last week on the road to remain undefeated.

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Although Ohio State lost to the Texas Longhorns earlier this season, the Buckeyes should not just beat Indiana on Saturday, but I think by 10+ points to make a statement.

Despite a loss, Ohio State is one of the top teams in college football, while I don’t think Indiana is. The Hoosiers’ offense is not the same under Josh Hoover at quarterback, while Ohio State’s defense is legit.

The Buckeyes have one of the top pass defenses in the country, as they are allowing just 150.7 passing yards per game. Indiana does have receiver Charlie Baker, who is one of the best in the country, but other than him, I don’t think the Hoosiers’ passing game will have anything for Ohio State’s defense.

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Then, on offense, the Buckeyes are one of the best in the country and should make a statement here. Jeremiah Smith is not just the best receiver in college football, but the best player in football.

Indiana’s defense doesn’t have someone to stop him, as even when he’s double-teamed, Smith is still able to get open and make an impact. The running game of Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson is solid and adds an element to Ohio State’s offense.

Although Ohio State is only a 3.5-point favorite, the Buckeyes’ offense will be hard to stop, and Indiana’s offense has struggled all season.

Ohio State should start out strong, and Ryan Day will learn from the Texas loss and not take his foot off the gas, leading the Buckeyes to a blowout win and a statement victory on Saturday afternoon in Bloomington.

Ohio State knows importance of Indiana game

Ohio State Buckeyes run on the field before the NCAA football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium on Oct. 10, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes run on the field before the NCAA football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium on Oct. 10, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

The Buckeyes already have one loss and can’t afford another if they want to get a bye in the first round of the college football playoff.

Indiana does pose some problems, and Day knows Ohio State has to remain focused for all four quarters to get the win.

“You have to stay focused for 60 minutes,” Day said on Tuesday. “You take a play off, and these guys will hurt you. We can’t do that.”

The game also serves as a chance for Ohio State to get a lick back from the Hoosiers who beat them in the Big Ten championship game a year ago. However, Day believes that is different game, and is just focused on Saturday.

“Nothing that happened in the past has anything to do with this weekend,” Day said. “We can learn from the past, so some of those guys that played in that game can learn from all the reasons why we came up short, and that’s good. That’s fine. But the focus has to be on right now, and that’s it.”

If Ohio State beats Indiana, the path to winning the Big Ten and getting a bye in the first round becomes clear.

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This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Yahoo Sports