IU football game day: Ohio State at Indiana primer and prediction
The Daily Hoosier • • sports
Key Points:
- Indiana (6-0) hosts Ohio State (5-1) in a highly anticipated Big Ten top-5 matchup at Memorial Stadium, marking the first-ever top-5 game at the venue and a key contest for conference title and College Football Playoff implications.
- Ohio State, coached by Ryan Day (87-13 record), is favored by about 3 points and has a strong road record (29-4 under Day), while Indiana, led by Curt Cignetti (33-2 at IU), seeks to defend its home turf.
- Star Indiana receiver Jeremiah Smith is chasing Big Ten records in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, needing 315 yards and two TDs in this game to set new marks.
- Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin boasts a 74.6% career completion rate, an NCAA record candidate, and ranks among IU’s all-time leaders in passing yards and touchdowns.
- The game is expected to be closely contested, with predictions hinging on Indiana’s ability to pressure Sayin; computer models give Ohio State a slight edge with about a 51% win probability.
