Photo via Yahoo Sports

Don’t buy the hype: Why Ohio State is in trouble at Indiana

Ohio State’s Week 7 clash with Indiana carries outsized stakes as the Hoosiers host their first top-five matchup ever, with the outcome likely shaping the national championship picture. The Buckeyes’ ground game faces a major setback after star running back Ja’Kobi Jackson suffered an undisclosed injury, forcing Ohio State to rely on a backfield that’s already struggled to generate explosive plays—just four carries of 20+ yards all season.

Indiana’s defense, ranked seventh nationally in total output and stifling opponents to a paltry 2.31 yards per carry, will further limit the Buckeyes’ rushing attack, which ranks 128th in yards before contact. Meanwhile, Indiana’s offense, led by quarterback Josh Hoover’s turnover-free play and efficient passing game, could exploit Ohio State’s secondary, which allows just 4.8 yards per pass attempt.

Advanced metrics like Bill Connelly’s SP+ and ESPN’s Power Index project a tight, low-scoring game, with Ohio State holding a slim edge in win probability. The Buckeyes must protect quarterback Kyle McCord (Sayin) against Indiana’s pass rush while finding consistency on the ground, while Indiana will need to sustain drives against Ohio State’s stout defense and contain Jeremiah Smith’s explosive plays.

Up nextCollege Football· 1h ago

Ohio State Legend Claims Jeremiah Smith Will Never Be the GOAT Unless He Does 1 Thing