It’s been a fun ride for the fifth-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, but their first test with the bigs this year might just be their last.
Indiana traveled to Columbus on Saturday to take on No. 2 Ohio State, and the Buckeyes beat them 38-15.
The Hoosiers got on the board first, immediately after forcing a three-and-out to start the game. On Ohio State’s next possession, the Buckeyes went on a 15-play drive that ended in a turnover on downs, giving all the momentum to Indiana, which had something to prove.
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Will Howard (18) of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
But they couldn’t take advantage of it. They punted, then gave up a touchdown. The two teams then traded turnovers. After a play slipped into the hands of the Indiana punter, the Buckeyes needed just three plays and seven yards to take a 14-7 lead into the locker room.
The Hoosiers scored three points to open the third quarter, but their punt was returned to the house by Caleb Downs, giving OSU a 21-7 lead. Indiana made three points again and the Buckeyes responded with another trip to the end zone. The Buckeyes then scored a field goal in the fourth quarter to make it a four-possession game as the Hoosier offense continued to stutter.
After his touchdown, Indiana failed to score on its next eight drives, finding the end zone in garbage time. Kurtis Rourke completed just 8 of 18 passes for 68 yards, while Ty Son Lawton and Justice Ellison combined for 141 yards on 32 carries. Lawton scored both touchdowns for the Hoosiers.
Emeka Egbuka of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
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Will Howard completed all but four of his 26 passes, totaling 201 yards and two scores. Emeka Egbuka, who caught seven passes for 80 yards, scored one of those touchdowns.
The Hoosiers won their first 10 games, but now all signs point to them needing an at-large bid to make the College Football Playoff. A blowout loss to one of the best teams in the country won’t help their cause, and they finish their season against Purdue next week.
Moments after their loss, No. 9 Ole Miss was upset by Florida, so maybe Indiana can stay alive thanks to the Rebels’ loss.
Carson Hinzman (75) and Emeka Egbuka (2) of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
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The Buckeyes are now 10-1, with their only loss to No. 1 Oregon on Oct. 12 by a score of 32-31. They are expected to end their three-game losing streak against Michigan next week, with the defending champions, 5-5 this season, visiting the Horsehoe.
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