Ohio State quarterback Will Howard delivered a commanding performance, passing for two touchdowns and rushing for another, while TreVeyon Henderson added a rushing score as No. 2 Ohio State handed No. 5 Indiana its first loss of the season, 38-15, on Saturday. The win sets up a pivotal showdown against Michigan next weekend with a spot in the Big Ten Championship and a potential rematch with No. 1 Oregon on the line.
The Hoosiers (10-1) entered the game riding high and hoping to end a 36-year losing streak against the Buckeyes (10-1). However, critical errors and a dominant Ohio State defense derailed Indiana’s dreams.
Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans mishandled a snap deep in his own territory, setting up a 7-yard Ohio State drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown run from Henderson. That gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead heading into halftime.
Special teams proved costly again early in the second half when Ohio State’s Caleb Downs returned an Evans punt 79 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 21-7. It was Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014.
Ohio State’s defense controlled the game, holding Indiana to a season-low 151 total yards. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke struggled against relentless pressure, completing just 8 of 18 passes for 68 yards and enduring five sacks. The Hoosiers managed only two scoring drives, both ending in short touchdown runs by Ty Son Lawson, who led the team with 79 rushing yards.
In contrast, Ohio State’s offensive line, despite battling injuries, held firm. Howard thrived behind the protection, completing 22 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing score, showcasing his versatility. Emeka Egbuka led the Buckeye receivers with seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.
For Indiana, the loss ends its hopes of an outright Big Ten title, a feat it hasn’t achieved since sharing the crown in 1967. The Hoosiers must regroup as they host Purdue in their regular-season finale next week.
Meanwhile, Ohio State has everything to play for. A win against Michigan next Saturday would secure its first Big Ten Championship Game appearance since 2020, likely setting up a rematch with Oregon. The Ducks defeated Ohio State 32-31 in a dramatic October clash, and the Buckeyes are eager for redemption.
Indiana hosts in-state rival Purdue next Saturday, aiming to finish the regular season strong. Ohio State welcomes archrival Michigan to Columbus in a game with massive conference and playoff implications.
As the stakes rise, the Buckeyes are hitting their stride at the right time, showcasing a balanced attack and a defense capable of disrupting even the best offenses. For Ohio State, the road to a championship remains firmly in its grasp.
