Indiana's 22-game win streak halted by Buckeyes' win, lose Sayin in process

Ohio State running back Bo Jackson scores a receiving touchdown in the second quarter. (Photo: Ohio State Football)

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana — The No. 4-ranked Buckeyes managed to pull off a tight victory at Merchants Bank Field, edging out No. 5-ranked Indiana 19-15 in an intense matchup between two top-five powerhouses that battled fiercely from start to finish.

With the Buckeyes' win, they broke Indiana's 22-game win streak dating back to November 23, 2024, coincidentally against Ohio State.  

This game could have gone either way, as most think that Indiana has been Ohio State's toughest game thus far into the season. 

Sayin Suffers Right Arm Injury

During the close contest, starting quarterback Julian Sayin suffered a right-arm injury after Indiana pass rusher Mario Landino fell on him, which also resulted in a fumble with about eight minutes remaining in the game. 

"Julian, I don't have a ton of details, but he'll probably be out for several weeks, so we'll have to come up with a plan there," said Day during the post-game press conference. 

Backup quarterback, true freshman Luke Fahey, will be the starter when Ohio State takes on USC after their bye week on October 31. They also have sophomore Tavien St. Clair as an alternate option on the depth chart. 

Ohio State Run Game Without Ja'Kobi Jackson

Bo Jackson led the rushing attack, accumulating 56 yards across 18 carries, a significant decline from his 107-yard performance against Maryland the previous week. Isiah West contributed 45 yards on six attempts, while Legend Bey saw limited action with only three touches. The team's ground game produced a combined total of 78 yards. 

They played without Ja'Kobi Jackson after suffering a foot injury during the Maryland game. "With Ja'Kobi out, the whole running back room had to step up, me, Isiah, Legend- so you can say this game is for him. We tried to play as hard as we can," said Bo Jackson. 

Jeremiah Smith celebrates his sole touchdown of the game against Indiana. (Ohio State Football)

Jeremiah Smith Continues to Impress

He went into Saturday's contest as the program's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and is encroaching on the Big Ten receiving yards and touchdown records after finishing with eight catches for 68 yards and one touchdown. 

His touchdown catch put them ahead and locked in their victory.

Smith will be without his top signal caller for at least their next game against USC. "Just next man up. I wish him a speedy recovery, but yeah, next man up. Luke Fahey did a great job out there today," said Smith.

Indiana's Two Missed Field Goals Factor Into Loss

Indiana left six points on the field by missing two field goals by Nico Radicic, a 32-yard attempt that hit the left upright in the first half and a 55-yarder that just fell short that could have possibly given them the win. 

Indiana's defense came into the game giving up 75.0 rushing yards per game as they held Ohio State to just 78 yards on the ground. 

Offensively, they did well in the air as quarterback Josh Hoover threw for 296 yards and one touchdown, and they rushed for 85 yards on the ground. 

What's Next For Ohio State?

No. 4 Ohio State (6-1, 4-0) will have a bye week ahead of their October 31 game against USC, with a to-be-determined start time and where to watch as of press time.