Stephen Leonard
Writer
The Indiana Hoosiers say, as Drake says, “started from the bottom and now we’re here” in the Big Ten Championship Game. The only two remaining undefeated major college football teams face off under the lights of Lucas Oil Stadium. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) and No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) enter Saturday’s game with everything at stake. The first undefeated-on-undefeated title matchup in Big Ten conference history. It’s just bigger in the Big Ten. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX, with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft on the call.
To the winner go all the spoils: the Big Ten crown, the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and likely the Heisman Trophy winner. The loser? Still a top-four seed with a first-round bye, but will end up with less hardware. In reality, the loser should be ranked No. 2 seed, but the playoff committee will figure that out Sunday.
For Ohio State, the defending national champions are locked in on this game and feel they haven’t accomplished anything yet. No one on this team has been to Indianapolis after a drought in conference titles since 2020.
Indiana, on the other hand, has waited even longer. Its last title was in 1967, and it split with Minnesota. Curt Cignetti has done the unthinkable. The Hoosiers have gone from playing from the basement to playing for titles. Curt Cignetti said after beating rival Purdue, “First team in Indiana history to go 12-0 in the regular season. And that’s absolute, and regardless of what happens from here on out, this team will always be the first team in Indiana history to go undefeated in the regular season.” Cignetti’s Hoosiers are a dangerous team for the Buckeyes.
The old saying, defense wins championships will be on display in Indianapolis. Ohio State is the No. 1 in scoring defense (7.8 ppg), followed closely by Indiana (10.9 ppg). Total defense, Ohio State takes the edge again, being number one, allowing 201 ypg, while Indiana comes in fourth in the nation, allowing 251.8 ypg. Indiana leads the nation in turnover margin at 17. They have 16 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries on the year. Ohio State comes in at 34th in the country with a turnover margin of five. They have seven interceptions and six fumble recoveries on the year. The Hoosiers led the nation and have outscored opponents with an average scoring margin of 29.8 ppg. Ohio State follows closely at number four in the nation out outscoring opponents with an average scoring margin of 25.5 ppg.
Offensively, Indiana tops Ohio State with the No. 2 scoring offense in the country, lighting up the scoreboard with 44.3 ppg. Ohio State, while dynamic, checks in at 13th in the nation, scoring 37 ppg. Both teams have proven to be dominant statistically, but it’s time to put their numbers to the test Saturday in Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Heisman race is up for grabs in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin leads the nation with a 78.9% completion rate, amassing 3,065 yards, 30 TDs, and just five INTs.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza counters with 2,758 yards, 32 TDs, and five picks. Each QB has even odds at +165 according to MGM. Polymarket Sports has Sayin running away with the award. One last test remains for each contender to prove it, and the winner of this game should hoist the Heisman.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is the most talented WR in college football. He has to be held out of routes for DBs to even have a chance, but oftentimes those holds go uncalled. Just like Smith’s touchdown against Michigan last week, the holding can’t even stop Smith from scoring. He’s amassed 942 yards and 11 TDs. Paired with Carnell Tate, there’s no scheme to stop to first round draft picks. Out wide for the Hoosiers, Elijah Sarratt has been electric himself. Just like Smith, Sarratt has been battling injuries recently, which has limited both their stats. Make no mistake about it, these wide receivers will be coming to play Saturday. Sarratt 650 yards and 11 TDs. Indiana has a duo of its own at wideout. Omar Cooper Junior actually leads the Hoosiers in receiving with 884 yards and 11 touchdowns. Whichever duo dominates the opposing secondary will be standing on the podium when the clock strikes zero.
Speaking of secondary, Indiana’s secondary is led by All-American CB D’Angelo Ponds. Interestingly enough, Ponds and Smith are very familiar with each other. They each attended Chaminade Madonna High School in Hollywood, FL. The high school teammates now face off on the biggest stage.
Ohio State owns the all-time edge 81-12-5. Last year’s 38-15 rout in Columbus was Indiana’s single regular-season loss. This home game for Indiana, I mean, “neutral-site” and the second year of Curt Cignetti’s reign in Bloomington, provides more electricity to the rematch. This game has all the makings of a low-scoring slugfest. The Hoosiers have improved across the board and are primed to take revenge for last season. Playing in their backyard and a chance to prove they belong on the field with an A-list college football team provides some extra motivation. Make no mistake, Indiana will provide some significant challenges to Ohio State. It’s just, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and company will figure out the edge schematically. Ohio State will walk away 24-14
The current spread has Ohio State -4.5. The over-under is 47.5. ESPN’s matchup predictor has Indiana at a 50.6% chance to win the game Bet MGM model has Ohio State winning with 78.2% confidence. Our College Football Backers’ MBM predicts a 34-17 Ohio State win.
Don’t have tickets? Ticket Master has just what you need, starting at $853 per ticket for 400-level corner end-zone seats. Vivid Seats listed a pair just under $800 per ticket in the 600 level.
Cody Croy
Writer
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Adam Hicks
Writer
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