Week 13 Analytical Preview - Ohio State vs Indiana

ProjectPat · 2024-11-23T14:39:07+00:00

Ohio State vs Indiana PREVIEW The unexpected game of the year has arrived for the Buckeyes, as the undefeated Hoosiers come into Columbus today. Curt Cignetti has his team fired up and is proclaiming to all the national pundits that they’re the real deal. Let’s dive into the analytics and see if his words are true and whether or not the Hoosiers will be able to hang in their first true test of the season. OHIO STATE OFFENSE vs INDIANA DEFENSE After a slow start last week, the Ohio State offense found a rhythm in the 2nd and 3rd quarters vs a lowly Northwestern team. Carnell Tate put on a clinic in his hometown and the offensive line did their thing, paving the way for Quinshon and TreVeyon to have solid days as well. The question now for the Buckeyes is a similar one to a month ago: how can the offensive line overcome another devastating blow? With Seth McLaughlin out for the season, the Buckeyes will turn back to Carson Hinzman at center and slide Austin Siereveld back to left guard. I anticipate a slow start to the game for Ohio State in terms of running the ball. Indiana ranks 2nd in all of college football in yards per carry allowed and with an already beaten up o-line, I expect the ground game to be a struggle at times for Ohio State. Will Howard will have to perform at his best today for the Buckeyes to win. Indiana ranks 70th in the nation in completion percentage allowed and have yet to face a receiving core as talented as Ohio State’s. Get ready for a Will Howard legacy game today. I’m predicting a huge stat line. 300+ yards and 3+ TD’s. OHIO STATE DEFENSE vs INDIANA OFFENSE If the Buckeyes want to win this game, they’re going to have to slow down a potent Indiana offense. The Hoosiers have the 9th best offense in the country in terms of yards per play, and they’re at their best on passing plays, ranking top-10 in both production and efficiency. The Buckeyes secondary has been suspect at times this year, and they rank 77th in the country in completion percentage allowed. I expect Kurtis Rourke to play a solid game today. Where the Buckeyes need to dominate today is against the run. What makes Indiana dangerous is their ability to move the ball on RPO’s and play action. If the Buckeyes can stifle the Hoosiers rushing attack (one that ranks outside the top-50 in the country in yards per carry) and force them into obvious dropback situations, that will pay dividends. Time for the defensive front to ball out. FINAL ANALYSIS Expect a dog fight. Indiana, according to the metrics, are legit. The Buckeyes need to avoid a slow start and play from in front in order to maintain control and keep Indiana from moving the ball on RPO’s and play actions. Will Howard legacy game is coming. Final Score Prediction Ohio State 31 Northwestern 20