Indiana’s insane 22-game winning streak is over, and it went down by mere inches. Ohio State escaped with a tight 19-15 win after a heart-stopping finish where Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover launched a pass to Nick Marsh in the end zone with just over a minute left. Marsh snagged the ball, but couldn’t quite drag his foot inbounds, sealing the Buckeyes’ victory and snapping the Hoosiers’ epic run. Forget the NIL chaos and expanded playoffs, this Ohio State-Indiana matchup is turning into one of college football’s most consequential new rivalries right before our eyes.
Jeremiah Smith Is Straight Up Inevitable
Before kickoff, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi, “We’ve got to give him as many touches as possible.” And then, for some reason, the Buckeyes started calling pass plays for everyone *but* Jeremiah Smith. It worked on the first series, sure, but not the next. On those gotta-have-it downs, it was clear that Julian Sayin was trying to force-feed Smith, and Indiana’s defense totally knew it. They were playing fundamental football, putting two defenders on Smith on passing downs, trying to turn the best player in the sport into a non-factor. At halftime, Smith only had two catches for 20 yards. Then, in the third quarter, Sayin sailed a ball meant for Smith, and Indiana cornerback Amare Ferrell picked it off. It really looked like someone was finally gonna stop the dude.
But then, just like he always does, Smith delivered. He came down with a 50-50 ball in the end zone, pushing the Buckeyes to a double-digit lead. Heisman voters, take note. That’s the exact kind of play we expect a Heisman Trophy winner to make when he’s up against a top-five opponent. The man just makes it happen, no matter what.
Sayin’s Scary Exit Spells Trouble
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti knew his team *had* to get pressure on Sayin if they wanted any shot at containing Smith. And once the Hoosiers landed that first big hit on Sayin, the Buckeyes’ signal-caller just fell out of rhythm. Against other opponents, he’d been a conductor, precise with every pass. But Indiana had him looking at his sheet music, guessing the next note, trying not to get beat by a combination his usually sharp mind couldn’t decipher. The Hoosiers sacked Sayin four times and forced him to throw two interceptions. That’s only the third time in his career he’s thrown multiple picks, and the first since Ohio State lost to Miami in last year’s CFP.
Then came the absolute biggest blow of the game. Sayin took a hard hit midway through the fourth quarter and clearly injured his right arm. The Buckeyes’ QB had to leave the game and finished watching from the sideline, wearing a sling. Coach Day started to talk about it after the game, saying, “I don’t have…” and the quote just cuts off, leaving everyone hanging. The full extent of Sayin’s injury isn’t clear, but with him in a sling, Ohio State has some serious questions to answer heading into their next matchup. This could change everything for their early season momentum.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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