Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a hard-fought 42-35 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in a high-stakes Big Ten matchup at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State, ranked No. 3, built a commanding 35-7 lead by the third quarter, but the No. 9 Hoosiers, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., mounted a fierce comeback. Penix threw for 491 yards and five touchdowns, exploiting vulnerabilities in the Buckeyes’ secondary and narrowing the margin late in the game. Despite Indiana’s offensive surge, Ohio State’s balanced attack and key defensive plays allowed them to hold on for the win.

Quarterback Justin Fields showcased his dual-threat abilities but had an uncharacteristic game with three interceptions. He completed 18 of 30 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while adding 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Running back Master Teague III delivered a career-high performance, rushing for 169 yards on 26 carries and scoring two touchdowns, including a 41-yard run that helped build the early lead. Garrett Wilson was Fields’ primary target, catching seven passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard score. Chris Olave also contributed with eight receptions for 101 yards, while the offensive line played a critical role in paving the way for 307 total rushing yards and providing solid protection.

Defensively, Shaun Wade made a pivotal play with a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter, extending Ohio State’s lead and proving critical as Indiana surged late. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai and Haskell Garrett were instrumental in applying pressure on Penix and controlling the line of scrimmage, while linebacker Pete Werner contributed significantly in both pass coverage and run defense. Baron Browning’s versatility and athleticism also stood out as he made plays in multiple phases of the game.

Although Ohio State’s defense struggled against Indiana’s potent passing attack, key moments like Wade’s pick-six and strong performances from the defensive front helped secure the victory. The Buckeyes’ balanced offensive approach and ability to capitalize on big plays solidified their position as a playoff contender while exposing areas for improvement, particularly in their pass defense. Indiana’s spirited performance, meanwhile, underscored their emergence as a rising power in the Big Ten.