Ohio State vs. Indiana Preview
Ohio State Buckeyes 5-3 vs. Indiana Hoosiers 1-8
November 5, 2011
12:00 pm - BTN
Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio
The Drama: Back in the thick of things
The unbelievable victory over the Badgers last weekend thrust the Buckeyes back into the Big Ten title hunt. Indiana is just 1-8 and will be not much more than a full speed scrimmage for the Buckeyes. The OSU coaching staff needs to take this opportunity to tweak the passing game and get Braxton Miller plenty of attempts. This game isn’t about Indiana or how much the Buckeyes can beat them by, this game is about getting ready for the last three games and a shot at the Big Ten title.
The Buckeyes will win because: Indiana is bad
Buckeye Nation bore witness to a turning point in Braxton Miller’s life and the follow up game could not have come at a better time. Miller had a huge game against Wisconsin and will need to build on that performance to propel the Bucks to a 4-0 November. Indiana is really bad on offense and defense. They give up an average of 36 points per game and are statistically last in the Big Ten on offense. The Buckeye offense showed a great deal of improvement in play-calling and execution last week and the Hoosiers are just what the gelling offense needs to maintain momentum and stockpile confidence.
The Buckeyes will lose because: They won’t
The Hoosiers are bad and the only hope Indiana is if the Bucks don’t show up. That said; the Buckeye offense has been a no-show on a few occasions this season so maybe it’s possible but no very well likely. The Buckeye offense needs all the offensive snaps it can get and taking the foot off the gas at this point is a bad idea.
The Hoosier spotlight is on: QB Edward Wright-Baker
Somebody has to be in the spotlight. Wright-Baker has as many touchdowns as interceptions this season but he is the Hoosiers biggest weapon.
“Cooler” Stat of the game (macho stats for the water cooler): Finish strong.
The Buckeyes are 14-1 in the month of November since 2005 (no including 2010).
The Bottom line: 4 to go
With four games left in the season the Buckeyes are right in the thick of things. While they don’t completely control their own destiny the fact is if they want to play for the conference championship they have to win their last four games. With an additional loss by Penn State, the OSU v Michigan game at the end of the season could be for all the marbles.
Prediction: OSU 42 – IU 13
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TBDBITL 1992-96
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