It's been a fun season for the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers, but this year's first test against the big boys could be their last.
Indiana traveled to Columbus on Saturday to take on No. 2 Ohio State, and the Buckeyes overwhelmed them 38-15.
Shortly after starting the game with a three-and-out, the Hoosiers went first. On Ohio State's next possession, the Buckeyes had a 15-play drive that ended in a turnover on downs, giving Indiana the momentum and something to prove.
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Will Howard, 18, of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Morley/Getty Images)
But they couldn't take advantage of it. They punted and allowed a touchdown. Both teams then traded turnovers. After the snap grazed the Indiana punter's hand, the Buckeyes needed just three plays and seven yards to take a 14-7 lead into the locker room.
The Hoosiers started the third quarter with a three-and-out, but Caleb Downs took a punt home and OSU led 21-7. Indiana went three-and-out again, and the Buckeyes countered with another trip to the end zone. The Buckeyes then kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter, making it a four-possession game as the Hoosier offense continued to scramble.
After the touchdown, Indiana failed to score on its next eight drives, finding the end zone again in garbage time. Curtis Rourke completed 8-of-18 passes for 68 yards, while Tyson Lawton and Justise 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 Morley/Getty Images)
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Will Howard completed all but four of his 26 passes for 201 yards and two scores. Emeka Egbuka caught seven passes for 80 yards and one TD.
The Hoosiers won their first 10 games, but all signs now 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 doesn't help the team's cause, which will end its season next week against Purdue.
Immediately after the loss, No. 9 Ole Miss was upset against Florida, so maybe Indiana can survive the Rebels loss.
Carson Hintzman, 75, and Emeka Egbuka of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers on November 23, 2024 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (2 years old). (Jason Morley/Getty Images)
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The Buckeyes are currently 10-1, with their only loss coming on Oct. 12, when they lost 32-31 to No. 1 Oregon State. Next week's game against Michigan should end the losing streak at three as the defending champions, who are 5-5 this season, will visit Horsehoe.
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