How can Ohio State football beat Indiana? 3 keys for Big Ten title game rematch

Here are three keys for No. 5 Ohio State at No. 4 Indiana on Oct. 17:Limit mistakesOhio State’s nine penalties at Iowa, including five false starts, were a season-high, and the Buckeyes experienced similar issues the following week against Maryland when they were flagged eight times. Four of the penalties extended the Terrapins’ lone drive of more than 22 yards, leading to a touchdown. Also, quarterback Julian Sayin fumbled following two sacks last week, losing one of them, and threw an interception.They will need to be cleaner against the Hoosiers, who are among the most disciplined teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Indiana has committed just one turnover through six games, the fewest in the country, and ranks as the fourth-least penalized team.Prevent big playsThe Hoosiers are explosive on offense. They have generated 41 plays from scrimmage of at least 20 yards, the second-most in the FBS, and average 7.82 yards per play, which ranks third.The big-play ability stems from a combination of playmakers. Running back Turbo Richard leads the nation with 10 runs of 20 or more yards, while wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh stress defenses as well. Becker and Marsh each have nine catches of 20-plus yards, tied for the 10th-most. While Becker is a deep threat downfield, Marsh does damage after the catch.After breakdowns against Illinois three weeks ago, the Buckeyes have made strides in limiting chunk plays and will look for the trend to continue.Finish drivesIt was the red zone that spelled trouble for the Buckeyes against Indiana in the Big Ten championship game last season. Their offense came up empty after two trips inside the Hoosiers’ 20-yard line in the second half of their 13-10 loss, and they have not always been efficient in bigger games this year. The Buckeyes finished with five touchdowns in 11 red-zone trips at Iowa and Texas. Indiana’s defense has not been as impenetrable near the goal line this year. Opponents’ red-zone touchdown percentage is up to 55% from 37%, which was the third-best rate in the FBS last season. But it remains as important for Ohio State to win in these situations..oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}Key matchupOhio State offensive line vs. Indiana defensive lineIndiana is dominant up front. The return of Stephen Daley, who received a fifth year of eligibility following a court ruling, has bolstered a stout defensive line. The Hoosiers’ 20 sacks are the third-most in the FBS, including five in five games from Daley. Injuries and illness have left Ohio State’s offensive line in flux this week, a potential area of concern after the Buckeyes surrendered five sacks to the Hoosiers in last year’s matchup. Indiana’s pass rush, which uses a mix of simulated pressures and other disguises in addition to veteran personnel, warrants better protection for Sayin. The Buckeyes’ offensive line line will need to hold up if they are to put their star-studded duo of Sayin and Jeremiah Smith in the best position.Key stat19: The Hoosiers are 19-0 at Memorial Stadium since the arrival of Curt Cignetti in 2024.Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How can Ohio State football beat Indiana? 3 keys for Big Ten title game rematch