Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans, let’s take a moment to celebrate. The Buckeyes didn’t just win on Saturday—they put on a clinic, dispatching previously undefeated Indiana 38-15 at the Horseshoe. The victory was the Buckeyes’ 30th consecutive win over the Hoosiers, improving their record to 10-1 on the season and putting them on the cusp of both the Big Ten Championship Game and a College Football Playoff berth.
Saturday’s win wasn’t just about the numbers; it was a statement. Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, who boldly declared last year that Ohio State, Michigan, and Purdue “suck,” got a front-row seat to the Buckeyes’ dominance. From start to finish, the Buckeyes outclassed the Hoosiers in every phase of the game, further proving that bold talk means little without the performance to back it up.
A Sluggish Start Turns Into Total Domination
The game didn’t begin as smoothly as Buckeye fans might have hoped. Ohio State went three-and-out on its opening drive, and Indiana capitalized with a 70-yard march down the field, capped by Ty Son Lawton’s 2-yard touchdown run. The Hoosiers took an early 7-0 lead and converted their first five third-down attempts, putting Ohio State’s defense under pressure.
However, the Buckeyes soon found their footing. Will Howard, who completed his first 14 passes of the game, orchestrated a pivotal drive that appeared to stall after a series of penalties put Ohio State in a daunting 3rd-and-35. Howard, showing poise under pressure, connected with Carnell Tate on back-to-back plays of 25 and 24 yards to keep the drive alive. While the Buckeyes failed to score on that possession—getting stopped on 4th-and-1 at the Indiana 2-yard line—it was a sign that Ohio State’s offense was beginning to click.
From there, the Buckeye defense tightened the screws. Cody Simon, who finished with a career-high 2.5 sacks, forced a critical fumble on an explosive third-down blitz, and Ty Hamilton recovered the ball in Indiana territory. Although a subsequent turnover on a tipped pass squandered that opportunity, the Buckeyes didn’t falter. After a muffed punt snap by Indiana gave Ohio State possession at the Hoosier 7-yard line, TreVeyon Henderson’s 4-yard touchdown run gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead just before halftime.
A Historic Play Breaks the Game Open
Ohio State wasted no time extending its lead in the second half. Caleb Downs delivered a game-changing moment, fielding a punt off a bounce and racing 79 yards to the end zone for Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown in nearly a decade. The Horseshoe erupted, and the Buckeyes never looked back.
On their next possession, Ohio State methodically marched 75 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 1-yard touchdown pass from Howard to Jelani Thurman. Jayden Fielding added a 45-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 31 unanswered points for the Buckeyes.
Indiana managed to find the end zone once more with another short touchdown run by Lawton and a two-point conversion. However, any hope of a late comeback was snuffed out when Henderson broke free for a 39-yard run to the Indiana 1-yard line. Rather than run out the clock, Ohio State opted to punch it in one more time, with Howard scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak.
Howard’s Statement Moment
Howard didn’t just lead the Buckeyes to victory; he made it personal. After his late touchdown, he mimed smoking and stomping out a cigarette on the sideline—a direct response to Cignetti’s infamous offseason remarks. The playful taunt was caught on FOX’s broadcast, further fueling the rivalry between the two programs.
When asked about the gesture after the game, Howard said with a grin, “We don’t listen to that stuff on social media, but we hear it, man. I was just having some fun with it.” Howard finished the game completing 22 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score for good measure.
Defense and Special Teams Shine
While Howard and the offense deserve credit, Ohio State’s defense and special teams were equally instrumental in the win. Cody Simon’s relentless pass rush, Caden Curry’s pivotal tackle on Indiana’s punter, and Ty Hamilton’s fumble recovery all contributed to a dominating defensive performance. The Buckeyes held Indiana to just 15 points and forced three turnovers, repeatedly setting up the offense with favorable field position.
Downs’ punt return touchdown was a cherry on top of a superb special teams outing, marking Ohio State’s first since 2014 and sending a message that the Buckeyes can make game-changing plays in all three phases.
Eyes on Michigan
With the win, Ohio State now turns its attention to next Saturday’s showdown with Michigan. The Buckeyes will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak against their bitter rivals in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. A victory would not only avenge those losses but also clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, where Ohio State would face Oregon in a rematch of their only loss this year.
Saturday’s performance proved once again that Ohio State is peaking at the right time. For Buckeye Nation, the message is clear: Michigan might suck, Indiana might suck, and Purdue might suck—but Ohio State? We’re just getting started.
Let’s finish this. Michigan week begins now.
