The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 42-14 in Columbus. This did not have the same buzz as the games against Wisconsin, Northwestern, Penn State and Iowa. However, this game still had a lot of importance with a possible trip to the BCS National Championship on the line.
Carlos Hyde provided a running attack that the Hoosiers could not keep up with. After rushing for over 200 yards last week in the win over Illinois, Hyde followed up with another huge performance 18 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Braxton Miller added a running display of his own rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
Ideally, Urban Meyer would have Miller pass more to avoid injury risks. With a BCS bowl appearance on the line, an injury to Miller would be devastating. The Buckeyes are one of a select few teams that have a strong one, two punch at quarterback with Miller and Kenny Guiton. However, it is best to keep the starter healthy.
The game against Indiana was virtually over at halftime as Ohio State led Indiana 28-0.
This wasn’t a true tune up game for Ohio State but continuing the nation’s longest winning streak is crucial.
Hyde’s milestone
Hyde is the first running back coached by Urban Meyer to reach at least 1,000 rushing yards in one season.
The Rivalry with the “Team from Up North”
Michigan is waiting. The Buckeyes travel to the “Big House” in Ann Arbor next week for the final showdown of the season. This game is the biggest one on the schedule each year. It is not the oldest college football rivalry which belongs to Auburn and Georgia. However, it is known the most heated rivalry in college football. It is like Washington Redskins/Dallas Cowboys deep.
Current BCS Outlook
Alabama and Florida State cruised to easy wins. Baylor’s 49-17 loss to Oklahoma State and Oregon’s 42-16 loss to Arizona will put Ohio State in a better position to stay at #3 instead of being jumped by another team.