Recap

Ohio State came into this game hoping to avoid a letdown after escaping Happy Valley with a dramatic one point win. First half, it looked like Ohio State was still sleep walking by only managing to score 28 points in the first half. However Indiana was able to drive against the Buckeye defense, gaining over 300 yards of offense, and putting up 20 points. The offense could not get into a grove, turning the ball over three times. The running game continues to be a growing concern, which is unexpected knowing the talent that is in the backfield. The offensive line was not able to get the push as needed, but it appeared that the game plan was still to attack the Hoosier defense with passing.

Dwayne Haskins continues to build on his already impressive season. This might be his only season starting for the Scarlet and Gray, He added 6 touchdown passes and 455 yards for the game. Through 6 games, he now has 1919 yards passing and has thrown 25 touchdowns. He is eclipsing numbers that JT Barrett had passed for in 2014. Ohio State has its sights set on a national championship, and Haskins has proven he can lead them there,

The once touted running back group of JK Dobbins and Mike Weber has slowed down the pacing since the first game against Oregon State game. Dobbins had a big game last week against Penn State and lead all runners this week again with 82 yards on 26 carries with a touchdown, and also added 25 yards receiving on 2 catches. Weber added 70 yards on the ground on 11 carries. He might be still recovering from his injury from the Tulane game. Haskins also added a few scrambles. The offensive line seemed to struggle to open up as many holes for the rushing game, and should improve on that in the coming weeks.

As much praise as is given to Haskins, a lot of the credit and praise needs to go to the receiving corp. There were still a few dropped passes, and a interception could have been prevented if Binjimen Victor gave a slight bit more effort on a slant route. All of that being said, the 4 upperclassmen receivers  caught a touchdown pass, led by Parris Campbell, Jr, who hauled 9 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Terry McLaurin also caught two touchdown passes, with 59 yards, and Johnnie Dixon and Binjimen Victor each caught one.

The defense again was susceptible to some big plays. This needs to be the biggest improvement for the team if it wishes to compete for a national title. The defensive backs continue to play a man coverage, but it could be tested to switch to a cover two approach if the players are not best suited for the style. The defensive line was pretty quiet until the 4th quarter. Another issue was the penalties, which needs to be cleaned up. It has been unfortunately synonymous with Ohio State under Urban Meyer.

Indiana again seems to be a slight thorn in Ohio State’s side. They were able to surpass 300 yards in the first half, and put up 20 points the Ohio State defense. They have improved offensively, and was able to open up some plays with Peyton Ramsey and his scrambling ability. He was compared to Trace McSorley by Urban Meyer, and he showed some flashes. They should do better than last season, and has a chance to get a big win against Iowa, who is second place in the Big Ten West.

Turning Point

Indiana was able to keep the game closer than Buckeye Nation would have liked, but that has been the Hoosier MO for the past few years. The game never felt in control for Ohio State until the drove down 75 yards from the end of the 3rd quarter to the beginning of the 4th to make it 42-26. The defense was able to hold Indiana to just under 90 yards of total offense in the second half, and the Buckeyes were able to mile the clock with efficient passing down the field.

Star of the Game

Stop me if you heard this before, but Dwayne Hasksins. With 6 passing touchdowns, Haskins tied JT Barrett and Kenny Guiton for most passing touchdowns in a game. He also is the second Buckeye ever to pass over 400 yards with his 455 yards in the game, 3 yards shy of tying Art Schlichter’s record of 458 yards. He did throw 2 interceptions after some pressure from the Indiana defense, but he continues to build his Heisman campaign with a big performance.

Playoff Picture

Ohio State shook off a first half lull to take over in the second half. Any potential Iowa game let down was evaporated after Ohio State brought the score up to 42-26. They remain undefeated, and continue to be the best representative for the Big Ten conference.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State (6-0) will host Minnesota (3-2) at 12pm.

Indiana (4-2) will host Iowa (4-1) at noon.

Photo credit to The Ozone