Ohio State vs Indiana: Quick Recap
Ohio State Buckeyes lost to Indiana Hoosiers 13–10 in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship Game — their first loss to Indiana in 31 tries.
Indiana entered as slight underdog, but a third-quarter TD and late defensive stands gave them the win and the conference crown.
---
Grading Ohio State’s Performance: Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ Where Buckeyes Held Up
Passing Game: Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 258 yards and a touchdown, completing 21 of 29 passes, showing poise against Indiana’s defense.
Offensive Efficiency: OSU managed 17 first downs, and executed a balanced offense with both passing and some rush success, despite difficult conditions.
Resilience under Pressure: Ohio State drove inside Indiana’s 5-yard line twice in final minutes — demonstrating the ability to move the ball when it mattered.
❗ Where They Fell Short / Made Costly Mistakes
Ground Game Struggled: OSU rushed for only 58 yards vs Indiana’s 118 — averaging just 2.2 yards per carry, well below needed production.
Key Special Teams Error: A 27-yard field goal attempt by kicker Jayden Fielding that would’ve tied the game was missed wide left — a pivotal moment sealing the Buckeyes’ fate.
Red-Zone Execution: Despite reaching Indiana’s red zone twice late, OSU couldn’t convert — showing issues with execution under pressure.
---
Overall Grade: B- to C+
Ohio State’s offense — especially through the air — largely delivered. But the lack of a running game, paired with a missed field goal and failure to convert red-zone chances, turned what should’ve been a championship-clinch into heartbreak. In a clash of elite teams, execution in critical moments — or lack thereof — proved decisive.
---
What’s Next for Ohio State
They remain one of the elite teams nationally (12-1), but must address running-game consistency and special teams reliability, especially if aiming for a national championship run.
Expect renewed emphasis in training and coaching on red-zone drills and pressure-situation execution ahead of the postseason.
0 Comments