Ohio State faces Indiana pass rush with plenty to prove

Ohio State faces Indiana on Saturday, with the Buckeyes' ability to protect quarterback Julian Sayin being crucial to their chances of winning. Indiana's defensive front is seen as the key matchup factor, particularly with concerns around Ohio State's offensive line availability. Last season, Indiana sacked Sayin five times in the Big Ten championship game, and this year's defensive line is reportedly deeper and better, with around 12 players rotating across the front.

Jacob Goins of Locked On Hoosiers emphasized that Indiana must consistently apply pressure on Sayin, which could also help contain receiver Jeremiah Smith by limiting Sayin's time to find him downfield. Meanwhile, Indiana's own vulnerabilities include a comeback from an 11-point deficit against Nebraska last week, highlighting potential weaknesses in communication and missed assignments in the secondary.

On offense, Indiana needs a stronger ground game, as they only managed 65 yards against Nebraska. Goins suggested that Indiana's offensive line must be more physical against Ohio State, as a lackluster performance could force quarterback Josh Hoover to carry too much of the team's workload. Hoover, who has thrown 17 touchdowns with no interceptions this season, must now sustain his execution throughout the game.

Quick passes targeting Indiana's playmakers could create opportunities for deeper passes against Ohio State. The challenge underscores how much coach Curt Cignetti has elevated Indiana following their recent championships, as fans now have higher expectations for the team's football performance.