Ohio State Dominates Indiana, Sends a Clear Message to College Football
COLUMBUS, Ohio — If you’re looking for a statement win, look no further than what the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes delivered on Saturday. In a 38-15 dismantling of the fifth-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, Ohio State didn’t just win—they made sure everyone in the college football world took notice. And quarterback Will Howard made sure to punctuate the victory with a little flair.
After scoring the final touchdown of the game, Howard found the Buckeyes’ sideline camera and mimicked typing on a keyboard, shouting, “Google that!” before stomping out an imaginary cigarette. The move was a not-so-subtle jab at Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, whose comments earlier in the season had clearly not been forgotten. Even the Ohio Stadium jumbotron joined in on the fun, flashing the words, “Buckeyes win??? Google it!” as the Hoosiers left the field.
But this wasn’t just about trolling Indiana. This was about sending a message to the rest of college football. With back-to-back wins over top-five opponents, Ohio State is peaking at the perfect time. The Buckeyes are now gearing up for a revenge showdown against their bitter rivals, Michigan, followed by a potential rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game. And let’s not forget the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, where Ohio State is looking more and more like the team to beat.
Howard’s Leadership Shines
Howard’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, and Saturday was no exception. The Kansas State transfer completed his first 14 passes and finished the game with 201 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display in the first quarter when he connected with wideout Carnell Tate for 49 yards on back-to-back plays—on third-and-35 and fourth-and-10, no less. The emotional Howard then turned to the crowd, pumping them up during an Indiana timeout.
Howard now ranks fourth nationally with a QBR of 85.4, and his impact on the team hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner,” said head coach Ryan Day. “He’s tough. He cares about his teammates. He’s a leader. He’s the heart and soul of our team.”
Overcoming Adversity
Ohio State’s success this season hasn’t come without challenges. The Buckeyes have dealt with season-ending injuries to key offensive linemen Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin. Yet, thanks to the versatility of players like Donovan Jackson and Carson Hinzman, the offensive line has held strong, allowing star running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson to thrive. The Buckeyes now rank sixth nationally in EPA (expected points added) per play.
Defense Wins Championships
While the offense has been electric, Ohio State’s defense has been downright dominant. The Buckeyes lead the nation in fewest yards (241.7) and points (10.7) allowed per game. Since their lone loss to Oregon, the defense has turned up the heat, increasing their blitz rate and racking up 18 sacks over the past five games. Against Indiana, linebacker Cody Simon led the charge with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble, while the Hoosiers’ quarterback Kurtis Rourke was held to just eight completions and took five sacks.
“The defense now has a championship formula to go along with its championship-level talent,” the article notes. And with Howard leading the offense, Ohio State is firing on all cylinders.
Special Teams Spark
As if the offense and defense weren’t enough, Ohio State’s special teams have also stepped up. Freshman Caleb Downs provided a highlight-reel moment on Saturday with a 79-yard punt return touchdown, showcasing his game-breaking ability and adding another layer to the Buckeyes’ dominance.
What’s Next?
Ohio State’s season is far from over, but the Buckeyes are surging at the right time. With Michigan looming and a potential playoff run on the horizon, this team has all the tools to achieve its lofty goals. As Howard put it, “I want this for [the veterans] so bad. … I want it for Coach [Ryan] Day, to shut up the haters. I’m a part of it now, and I want this for me too. But I want this for those guys.”
Ohio State fans, buckle up. The Buckeyes are coming, and they’re coming with an edge that should terrify every team in their path.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
