Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes Game Predictions

The biggest game of the weekend is in the Big Ten when the 5th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers (10-0) head east to take on the 2nd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1). The winner gets one step closer to the Big Ten title game and locking up a College Football Playoff berth. For Ohio State it's their third big game of the season, but for Indiana its their first real chance to prove they are truly one of the nation's best.

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Date: Saturday - November 23
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Channel: Fox
Line: Ohio State -10.5; O/U: 52.5

Irish Breakdown's staff has made predictions for this key matchup.

BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER

Prediction: Ohio State 30, Indiana 23

I get that Indiana hasn't really beaten anyone good, but the Hoosiers have been dominant all season. They dominate like a top team. and Indiana has been more dominant than Ohio State has been against common opponents. The Buckeyes have an elite defense but Indiana's offense matchups up very well. The Hoosiers are a solid rushing team (176.7 YPG), and if they can get that part of the game going against the vaunted Buckeye defense they'll have a shot to score enough to win. If Ohio State can make the Hoosiers one-dimensional it could be much tougher to get the offense going.

Ohio State's ground game has been solid, but this is arguably the best rush defense they've faced all season. A key for the Indiana defense is slowing down the run game and forcing the game onto the shoulders of quarterback Will Howard. His numbers are good but Howard still has a lot to prove to me, especially in clutch moments. If this becomes a Kurtis Rourke vs. Will Howard game I think the Hoosiers have a chance. If the Ohio State ground game gets going this could be a long day for the Hoosiers.

I think this will be an entertaining back and forth game, but I'm going with the home team and the better defense to win the game.

VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Indiana 17

This is the non Notre Dame game I have been looking forward to for a while now. Frankly I thought IU would have slipped up by now but to go 10-0 and be undefeated this late in the season is a very impressive feat and I do not care what your schedule is. The number two scoring offense goes up against the number one scoring defense so something has to give right? In the end I do not think IU will be able to toe to toe and score to score with Ohio State.

SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Indiana 21

We all know this will be the first and only quality opponent Indiana will play all year. Curt Cignetti and his team believe they will win but love or hate Ryan Day, his last home loss was two years ago and his last four regular season losses since he became OSU head coach in 2019 have been to Michigan and Oregon.

TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Indiana 17

So far this season, history tells us that the more battle tested team will prevail. IU has yet to face this caliber offense this season, and it will be by far the most hostile environment. 

NICK KREMER, RECRUITING ANALYST

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Indiana 21

Indiana has been one of the best stories of the college football season, and I expect Curt Cignetti to have his team ready to play when they head to the Shoe. I predict a close game that will remain competitive into the fourth quarter.

ANDREW McDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Ohio State 24, Indiana 20

Ohio State took a big hit to its offensive line depth with the news that Seth McLaughlin would miss the rest of the season and I expect his absence and associated reshuffling along the offensive line to impact Ohio State's offense, especially early in the game. The Hoosiers lead the Big Ten in tackles for loss, averaging 7.3 TFL/game, and their defense will be flying around and attacking downhill during the biggest game in program history. 

However, there's a reason that Ohio State has been the standard for success for Midwestern football for the last 2 decades (as much as it pains to say it) and that's due to their talent level and depth. With the offense somewhat limited, I expect the Ohio State defense to pick up the slack. The Buckeyes bring the Big Ten's top defense into this matchup and are allowing opponents to convert just 31.2% of third downs. Indiana has been exceptional in the red zone this year, but a couple Hoosier drives that Ohio State is able to force field goals on are the difference in this one. 

SEASON STANDINGS

Bryan - 34-12
Nick - 33-13
Andrew - 33-13
Vince - 32-14
Trevor - 30-16
Sean - 30-16