Monday Musings: USC

Ohio State moved to No. 2 without taking a snap, but the Buckeyes return with a new reality at quarterback and no room to treat USC’s 24–7 loss at Wisconsin as reassurance. This week’s Monday Musings examines the Fahey–St. Clair decision, the defensive blueprint for Jayden Maiava, Jeremiah Smith’s next record and why a sold-out Halloween night at the Coliseum remains dangerous.

Buckeyes Hold Off Butler’s Second-Half Push to Secure Exhibition Win

On a day when former Ohio State and Butler head coach Thad Matta was honored at halftime for his illustrious career with both programs, the Buckeyes and Bulldogs settled things on the court with Ohio State coming away with an 82-73 victory in the final exhibition tune-up for both teams ahead of the regular season. Matta, who amassed 502 career wins, including 337 at Ohio State, was recognized for his contributions to both programs before the Buckeyes closed out the afternoon with a win.

Week 8 Predictions – 2026

Last Week:  Ohio State won the game over Indiana 19-15, but lost their starting quarterback. A lot of calls not made by the officials against Indiana but the Buckeyes overcame that

Monday Musings: Bye Week

Ohio State ended Indiana’s 22-game winning streak with the fourth-quarter finish it could not find at Texas, but Julian Sayin’s throwing-arm injury changes the season as the Buckeyes enter their open week. Our new Buckeye50 Monday Musings breaks down the championship defense, Jeremiah Smith’s record-tying touchdown, the warning signs hidden inside the 19–15 win and what Luke Fahey must become before the trip to USC.

Game Recap: Ohio State 19 – Indiana 15

Ohio State went to Bloomington looking for proof that the progress of the last month would hold up in a true championship-level road game, and the Buckeyes came away with exactly that. No. 4 Ohio State defeated No. 5 Indiana, 19-15, ending the Hoosiers’ 22-game winning streak, 19-game home winning streak and 15-game Big Ten winning streak while improving to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.

Week 7 Predictions – 2026

Last Week:  Ohio State once again took care of business, defeating Maryland 45-16, as the Buckeye defense stepped up and held the Terrapins to only 146 total yards for the game.

Game Preview: Ohio State vs Indiana

A top-five showdown in Bloomington, a Big Ten title-game rematch, and another defining road test for the Buckeyes. Our Ohio State–Indiana preview breaks down the injury picture, Bo Jackson’s opportunity, Jeremiah Smith’s record chase and the keys to finishing the job Saturday. Our pick: Ohio State 30, Indiana 24.

Bold Predictions: Indiana

The No. 4 Buckeyes travel to Bloomington for a noon kickoff against No. 5 Indiana in the first top-five matchup ever played at Memorial Stadium.

Monday Musings for Week 7: Indiana

Ohio State handled Maryland 45–16 behind four Julian Sayin touchdown passes, 207 rushing yards and another dominant defensive performance—but two turnovers showed exactly what cannot follow the Buckeyes to Bloomington. This week’s Buckeye50 Monday Musings breaks down the progress, the warning signs and a top-five rematch with the defending champion that could define the Big Ten race.

Game Recap: Ohio State 45 – Maryland 16

Ohio State handled Maryland 45-16, but the final score only tells part of the story.

The Buckeyes rushed for more than 200 yards, held the Terrapins to just 146 total yards and got another explosive afternoon from Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. But two turnovers and eight penalties gave Ohio State plenty to clean up before next week’s top-10 showdown at Indiana.

Our Buckeye50 postgame recap breaks down the growing run game, the defense’s continued improvement, the mistakes that still matter and why Bloomington could tell us just how far this team has come since Texas.

Maryland was business. Indiana is the measuring stick.