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Buckeyes, Hoosiers Ready for Top-5 Matchup

Ohio State|Will Howard — © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes will be welcoming undefeated No. 5 Indiana into Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Nov. 23 at noon EST. This marks the third top-five matchup that the Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten Conference) have played in this season. The Hoosiers (10-0, 7-0 B1G) will be playing their first ranked opponent this season. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti faces a monumental challenge as his Hoosiers take on head coach Ryan Day's Buckeyes.

What's at Stake?

This game will, in all likelihood, propel the winner to the B1G championship game on Dec. 7 against No. 1 Oregon (11-0, 8-0 B1G). An Ohio State win gives Indiana its first loss. It also gives the Buckeyes a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Hoosiers. An Indiana victory gives the Buckeyes their second defeat and locks up the Hoosiers' spot in the title game. The two will essentially be playing an early playoff game on Nov. 23. The loser will still most likely make the College Football Playoff, but a win is another step towards a conference title and receiving the highly-coveted first-round bye.

Key Players for Buckeyes

Offense: Will Howard, Quarterback

Howard is more than accustomed to playing in top-tier matchups by this point. He played in a Big 12 Conference championship game at Kansas State and will now be in his third top-five game this year. Day has put a lot on Howard's shoulders in big situations this season. He has been very reliable but his deep ball accuracy has been criticized. He seemed to quiet those concerns on Nov. 16 when he connected downfield numerous times against Northwestern (4-6, 2-5 B1G). Howard needs to carry that success into this game to help stretch the Indiana defense out vertically and keep the Hoosiers guessing.

Defense: Denzel Burke, Cornerback

Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke is one of the most accurate passers in the nation. His go-to target is wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound target could take advantage of Burke, who has consistently struggled in one-on-one coverage this season. Burke was targeted eight times against Oregon on Oct. 12 and gave up eight receptions. Two of those eight catches were for touchdowns. Burke will surely line up against Sarratt often on Nov. 23. He needs to play with much more physicality to prevent explosive plays from the star WR.

Key Players for Hoosiers

Offense: Kurtis Rourke, Quarterback

Rourke has been outstanding in his first season with the Hoosiers. The Ohio University transfer has shown pinpoint accuracy this year while leading one of the country's best passing attacks. The Ohio State cornerbacks have struggled in coverage for much of this season. Davison Igbinosun has been one of the most penalized players in the country and Burke has routinely given up huge plays. Rourke's ability to connect with his playmakers downfield, especially on back-shoulder throws, will be integral for the Hoosiers' success.

Defense: Mikail Kamara, Defensive Lineman

Everyone is aware of the injuries to the Ohio State offensive line. Left tackle Josh Simmons went down for the year against the Ducks. The Buckeyes then lost star center Seth McLaughlin this week as he tore his Achilles tendon during practice on Nov. 19. Kamara will attack an offensive line that is reshuffling its group yet again. Kamara is tied for fifth in the nation this year in solo sacks (9) and can certainly wreak havoc in the trenches this week. Ohio State needs to have a plan in place to help minimize his destruction.

Trends to Watch

There are two key matchups to keep an eye on in this one. The first is the Indiana wide receivers against the Ohio State cornerbacks. The Buckeyes have struggled in one-on-one matchups down the field. The Hoosiers excel in that aspect of the game. Rourke and his various weapons will be testing them all afternoon.

The other huge battle will be the Ohio State offensive line against the Hoosiers' defensive line. Down two starting linemen now, the Buckeyes get the task of facing one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country in Kamara. Carson Hinzman will slide back to center this week after playing 12 games at that spot in 2023. Austin Siereveld slides into the left guard position that Hinzman spent the last three games playing. Indiana will challenge the group early and often. That battle could very well determine the outcome of this game.