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Ohio State’s sloppy 45-16 win over Maryland might be exactly what they needed before Indiana

Ohio State’s 45–16 victory over Maryland on Saturday was far from a polished performance, but the Buckeyes’ coaching staff may have found value in the game’s chaotic execution. With several starters sitting or limited by injury, head coach Ryan Day leaned heavily on younger players to gain experience before the grueling stretch of the season.

The weather—heavy rain from Hurricane Isaias—disrupted play early, leading to a sloppy first quarter, but Ohio State tightened up in the second half. Jeremiah Smith stood out with two touchdowns on just four receptions, including a standout one-handed grab that highlighted the Buckeyes’ depth at receiver.

Despite the commanding win, the game exposed lingering issues: pass protection struggles, turnovers (including a fumble and an interception), missed assignments by linebackers, and a penalty-prone offense flagged eight times for 65 yards. The coaching staff will likely focus on correcting those mistakes ahead of next week’s showdown with Indiana, a team with its own roster questions after a narrow Nebraska win.

The Buckeyes’ offensive line, already dealing with personnel changes, showed vulnerabilities, while the defense’s run fits were inconsistent. Julian Sayin’s errors—two fumbles and a pick-six—added to the film study list, though the overall result was never in doubt.

Maryland’s offense, though overmatched, provided little resistance, allowing Ohio State to build a lead early. The win, while messy, may have served as a necessary wake-up call for a team preparing to face a top-tier opponent in Bloomington.

Indiana’s own defensive struggles against Nebraska suggest the Hoosiers will also arrive with work to do, but Ohio State’s ability to capitalize on opportunities will be critical in a game where execution could decide the outcome.

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