Date: Saturday, October 21
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Place: Ohio Stadium, capacity 102,329
TV: ESPN 8: The Ocho with Cotton McKnight and Pepper Brooks. Actually, it’s going to be on ESPNU, with the “U” meaning that “YOU” probably won’t be able to see it on TV.
Radio: The Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Network with 73 stations across Buckeyeland with “Big Daddy” Paul Keels, Jim Lachey, and Marty Bannister calling all of the action.

Saturday’s game marks the 82nd time Ohio State and Indiana have met on the gridiron.

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 64-12-5, including a streak of 13 consecutive wins against the Hoosiers.

Ohio State has only lost twice to Indiana since 1960, with IU’s two wins coming in 1987 and 1988.

Indiana has a record of 4-3 overall, and 2-1 in the Big Ten. They have recorded wins over Western Michigan (39-20), Ball State (24-23), Illinois (34-32), and Iowa (31-28). IU’s losses have come at the hands of Division I-AA member Southern Illinois (35-28), Connecticut (14-7), and they were hammered by Wisconsin (52-17).

The Hoosier Offense

Offensively, Indiana has done a decent job overall, but they have some serious concerns in the rushing department. Even against weak opponents, the Hoosiers have struggled toting the rock.

Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis might remind a few people of another former IU quarterback, Antwan Randle-El, with his athletic ability. He is very mobile, and is not afraid to tuck the ball and run when needed.

Four different players have 36 or more rushing attempts, and Lewis leads the team with 66 carries, though IU’s top ground-gainer is fullback Josiah Sears with 225 yards on 36 tries.

Others who will see action at tailback are sophomore Marcus Thigpen (58-202) and redshirt freshman Demetrius McCray (34-185).

Lewis, though, is far from a polished passer. He has five touchdowns to go along with three interceptions and is only completing 53.4 percent of his throws.

His favorite target is 6-foot-7 James Hardy, who has 21 receptions for 291 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Four other Hoosiers have 16 or more catches on the year, so Lewis will distribute the ball fairly well.

Lewis’ best game so far this season came last week in Indiana’s upset win over Iowa, as he threw for 255 yards on 19-of-25 passing and three touchdowns without an interception.

The Hoosier Defense

Yet another Big Ten team that struggles defensively.

Last week, Iowa posted 480 yards of total offense against Indiana and still lost. In the game prior to that, Illinois had 433 yards. In fact, both Iowa and Illinois outgained Indiana, yet the Hoosiers managed to come away with a victory.

Three weeks ago, Wisconsin obliterated the IU defense to a tune of 543 yards as John Stocco passed for 304 and P.J. Hill added another 129 on the ground.

Even Division I-AA Southern Illinois nearly reached 400 yards in their win over Indiana, coming up three feet shy.

Indiana’s best defensive effort came in their 14-7 loss to Connecticut, holding the Huskies to just eight first downs and 273 total yards. Of that total, 257 of that came on the ground, with UConn managing to get just 16 yards passing on 13 attempts.

Prediction

The question is, when will this game be decided by: the end of the first quarter, or by halftime? And how many quarterbacks will get to play of Ohio State?

Don’t forget to set your DVR’s and TiVo’s to ONN at 11 pm., Saturday night, to record this classic.

Ohio State 41, Indiana 7

Tags: Buckeye Football //