Indiana Hoosiers @ 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (-28.5)
Indiana is coming off one of the program’s biggest wins in recent memory. Defeating then 17th ranked Michigan State 24-21 should instill a lot of confidence in Indiana as they enter this week 3-1 against the second ranked team in the nation. Not to mention their only loss came by five points to a good Wake Forest team.
Despite Indiana’s success this year, they’ll need to play the best game of their careers if they want to take down the Buckeyes. Ohio State crushed Rutgers 58-0 a week ago and has yet to be in a game decided by fewer than 20 points. Ohio State even demolished then 14th ranked Oklahoma 45-24 in a game that was never close.
Ohio State is the real deal. J.T. Barrett is as good as any quarterback in the nation, Mike Weber is averaging 7.3 yards per carry and their defense is giving up a college football-best 9.2 points per game. Teams don’t find success against them, especially when they turn the ball over.
Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow has been turnover prone with six interceptions on the year. The Hoosiers have to protect the ball if they want a shot at taking down Ohio State because the Buckeyes will turn turnovers into points almost every time. The Buckeyes have forced 11 turnovers this season — nine interceptions, two fumbles.
When it comes down to it, Indiana will put up a decent fight to start the game. Although, stopping or containing J.T. Barrett for 48 minutes seems like an impossibility at this point. He’ll add to his insane 14 touchdown throws on the season and continue to try to make a Heisman case. Indiana is improving, but they’re not there yet.
Prediction: Ohio State 45 Indiana 13