Insider Q&A: A closer look at Ohio State, the keys for Indiana football in Saturday’s matchup

The No. 5 Indiana football Hoosiers are set for their biggest game of their program’s history with a top five matchup at No. 2 Ohio State this Saturday afternoon. The Hoosiers come into this game an outstanding 10-0 on the year with all eyes from the college football landscape locked into this one.

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter this game 9-1 on the year  The only loss they have suffered this season was against No. 1 Oregon on the road a few weeks ago.

The winner of this game will be in the driver seat to face Oregon in the Big Ten Championship in the following weeks.

HoosierIllustrated.com caught up with Ryan Stano of buckeyefocus.com to discuss Ohio State, keys to the matchup and what Indiana football needs to do in order to come out with a win and keep its undefeated season going.

More: 3 Storylines to watch for when Indiana football faces Ohio State in a top 5 matchup

Q: Will Howard has taken Ohio State’s offense to a different level this year compared to last. What are the strengths of his game and where could IU’s defense potential take advantage on Saturday?

RS: Howard’s biggest strength has been his poise in the biggest moment of the game. Yes, he made a poor throw with his first pass against Penn State. After that, he was lights out from the pocket. His legs give him a big boost as well because he can buy time in the pocket even if the offensive line fails him. Howard isn’t afraid to tuck it and run, either. He’s got six rushing touchdowns this season in addition to the 24 through the air, so IU has their hands full. If Jeremiah Smith is one-on-one at any point, Howard will take that shot every time. Howard will attack Indiana any time they try to man up on the outside without safety help on any of the receivers.

Q: OSU’s OL took a hit this week with the news of Seth McLaughlin’s injury. How much of a concern is that for the unit moving forward especially against the pass rush of Indiana football?

RS: The offensive line is the biggest concern with this team moving forward. McLaughlin was the best offensive lineman on Ohio State’s roster. It’s a major concern that Indiana will now attack the left side of the line with Austin Siereveld shifting to left guard and Carson Hinzman moving back to center. Siereveld started a few games at right guard earlier in the year but wasn’t up to snuff.

Q: If you’re Indiana football, where and how would you attack OSU’s defense?

RS: Kurtis Rourke is going to have great success attacking the corners in one-on-one situations. Denzel Burke has had a poor year despite being Ohio State’s number-one corner. Davison Igbinosun is good for at least one penalty a game because he gets way too physical. Attacking Burke on the outside is what I would do. IU will have a tough time running the ball, but Rourke could have some success with some scrambles.

Q: What is the biggest key for the Buckeyes to come out with a win on Saturday?

RS: For Ohio State to win, they need to get the ball out of Will Howard’s hands quickly in the passing game. Ohio State’s receivers are masters at yards after the catch, so a lot of receiver screens, slants, and quick outs will likely be run early. Getting push in the run game shouldn’t be as tough, especially on the right side of the line. They really don’t need to do anything special: just do what they do. Their talent should overwhelm IU in the second half as long as they don’t turn it over.

Q: Prediction and why?

RS: Ohio State wins the game 34-21. I think the game is close early because of the fact that IU is coming off a bye week. Ohio State’s defense struggles to stop scripted drives early in the game, so I expect them to get off to a slow start. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a tie game heading into halftime. With that being said, Ohio State’s talent should be enough to overpower IU in the second half. The crowd will be a factor too, especially if the game gets close in the fourth quarter. Anxious fans are the loudest fans.

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