The showdown between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 23, 2024, is set to be a huge event in college football. Happening at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, this game is crucial not just for conference rankings but also has major stakes for the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture.
Team Profiles
Indiana Hoosiers
Record: 10-0 Overall, 7-0 in Big Ten Play
Head Coach: Curt Cignetti
Key Players:
Quarterback: Kurtis Rourke – 171 completions on 238 attempts for 2,410 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
Running Back: Justice Ellison – 120 carries for 686 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Wide Receiver: Elijah Sarratt – 38 receptions for 685 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Indiana is having an incredible season, marking their first time ever hitting the 10-win milestone. Their most recent win was a close one against Michigan, where they managed to secure a 20-15 victory, thanks to a tough defense that’s been key all season long. The Hoosiers have also shown a solid offensive game, skillfully blending their running and passing plays to keep opponents on their toes.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 9-1 Overall, 6-1 in Big Ten Play
Head Coach: Ryan Day
Key Players:
Quarterback: Will Howard – completed 171 of 231 passes for 2,237 yards, with 22 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
Running Back: Quinshon Judkins – has rushed for 647 yards on 106 carries with 6 touchdowns.
Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith – leads the team with 45 receptions for 765 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Ohio State is coming into this matchup sitting at No. 2 in the AP Poll, thanks to a solid win over Northwestern (31-7). The Buckeyes’ sole loss this season was a close one against Oregon (32-31), but they’ve bounced back impressively, showcasing their strength against teams like Penn State and Purdue. Their offense is on fire, driven by Howard’s sharp passing and a powerful running attack.
Historical Context
Ohio State has pretty much owned this matchup over the years, boasting an impressive all-time record of 79 wins, 12 losses, and 5 ties. They’ve even got a jaw-dropping 28-game winning streak against Indiana, which stretches all the way back to Indiana’s last win in 1988. With this kind of history, Indiana definitely feels the heat as they try to snap that streak and prove they can hang with the big dogs.
Key Matchups
Indiana’s Defense vs. Ohio State’s Offense: Indiana’s defense is about to hit its biggest challenge as they go up against an Ohio State offense known for its quick scoring. How well Indiana’s secondary can handle wide receivers like Jaxon Smith will be key.
Quarterback Play: Rourke and Howard have both been solid this season, but Howard’s experience in clutch moments might give Ohio State the upper hand. Rourke needs to steer clear of turnovers if Indiana wants to stay in the game.
Running Game Impact: The running backs for both teams are going to play a crucial role. Judkins has to get the ground game going right from the start to create some play-action chances for Howard, and Ellison needs to exploit any openings he can find against a tough Buckeyes defense.
Both teams are fighting for playoff spots and trying to prove they’re the best in the conference, so you can bet this game will be a nail-biter. Ohio State has the home-field edge at Ohio Stadium, but don’t count out Indiana—they’re hungry and have been playing really well lately.
Ohio State’s got some serious offensive strength and the home field edge, while Indiana brings a lot of grit and solid defense to the table.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes: 31 – Indiana Hoosiers: 24
This game is more than just a fight for Big Ten dominance; it could also be Indiana’s chance to shine on the national stage if they manage to upset one of college football’s long-standing powerhouses.