Indiana took Ohio State's Big Ten crown; can the Buckeyes win it back?

4 short-attention spans Buckeyes itching for payback … Indiana good? Still hard to believe … Can Julian Sayin handle the pressure? … Curt Cignetti vs. Ryan Day. Who do you like? Pregame buzz No one should be blamed for still doubting if Indiana is legit, given the Hoosiers’ long-term history. But In

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What is the story about?

4 short-attention spans

Buckeyes itching for payback … Indiana good? Still hard to believe … Can Julian Sayin handle the pressure? … Curt Cignetti vs. Ryan Day. Who do you like?

Pregame buzz

No one should be blamed for still doubting if Indiana is legit, given the Hoosiers’ long-term history. But Indiana has managed the era of NIL and instant transfers as well or better than anyone, as evidenced by its 2025 national championship. Still, some/many Ohio State fans consider the Hoosiers a one-hit wonder, which brings extra intrigue to the game in Bloomington. We’re about to find out.

One-liner

For once it won’t feel like an Ohio State home game in Bloomington.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Aiden Fisher (4) holds the trophy as he celebrates with wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13), Fernando Mendoza (15) and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker (95) after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Make or breakers

You have to beat the champ to become the champ. Indiana wears the belt, so it’s up to Ohio State to take it away. For that to happen, the Buckeyes’

offensive line needs to protect Julian Sayin better that it did last year, when the Hoosiers recorded five sacks. And Sayin needs to escape pressure better than he did in the Big Ten Championship game loss to IU. Finally, Sayin can’t miss open receivers due to zeroing in only on Jeremiah Smith. Spread the wealth and OSU comes out on top.

Robo’s rankings

Notre Dame (2) … It’s off to No. 8 BYU and the collision of faiths. Who do you believe will win?
Georgia (3) … Unlike against Alabama, the Bulldogs won’t need officiating help against unranked Auburn.
Miami (4)... Playing Florida State once meant something. Past tense.
Ohio State (5) … Buckeyes need to defeat Indiana or playoff chances thin considerably.
Indiana (unranked) … Hoosiers not as good as a year ago, but good enough to beat Ohio State?

Robo’s rantings

Someone needs to step in to end the trend of guys and gals (but mostly guys) being paid to rev stadium crowds by screaming nonsense into microphones. The shoutfests began with basketball but unfortunately have moved to football, where the annoying noise hurts my head. I realize we’re long past the point of the actual game being entertaining enough, but can we please tone things down?

Numbers for dummies

8-8 – Ryan Day’s record against top-five teams.

3-2 – Curt Cignetti’s record against top-five teams.

60-40% – approximate ratio of IU to Ohio State fans at Indiana home games before this season. That changes Saturday as cream and crimson take over the stadium.

55 degrees – steep angle of press box steps inside Memorial Stadium. You practically need to rappel down those cliffs.

Writer Suzanne Collins signs autographs at the premiere of

Across the Field

Ryan Day made Indiana sound like an NFL team this week, praising the Hoosiers for being a mature team that stresses winning every individual battle. I wouldn’t lay it on that thick, but IU has shown a propensity to win close games – see last year’s 13-10 win against OSU in the Big Ten Championship – and Cignetti has to feel good about his chances if it comes down to needing a late score or making a late stop to remain undefeated. The Hoosiers’ Achilles' heel? Keep an eye on their red zone defense, which ranks only 58th nationally. On the flip side, the Buckeyes rank 60th in red zone offense, so maybe IU shouldn’t be too nervous? Famous Indiana alum: Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games.

We SEC you (a weekly look at that other conference)

Where has all the love gone for Florida coach Jon Sumrall, who just a few weeks ago was the darling of the SEC for his entertaining comments in the media? That was before the Gators lost back-to-back games to Missouri and South Carolina. Sumrall suddenly doesn’t sound so cool. Lesson: If you’re going to talk big, you need to win big. Just ask Lane Kiffin, whose LSU Tigers just lost to Kentucky. Nothing like a bad loss to quiet mouths that roar.

Dad joke

Q: Why do the Hoosiers have TGIF written on their cleats?

A: Toes. Go. In. First.

Just wondering

Is Indiana first and foremost still a basketball school? It’s hard to picture one incredible season drawing IU fans’ hearts from hoops to football forever. I mean, look at Cleveland fans, who still prefer the Browns over the Guardians even as the Guards are winners. The Hoosiers have missed the NCAA Tournament in 11 of the past 18 seasons (not counting the COVID year, when the tourney was canceled) and have not advanced beyond the regional semifinals since 2001-2002. The “other” Hoosiers are defending College Football Playoff champions.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches during the NCAA football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 10, 2026.

Day delivery

What the coach said: “You take a play off, these guys will hurt you,” referring to Indiana.

What we heard: And you take more than one play off and the Hoosiers will kill you.

Inside the biz

Fans aren’t the only ones who look forward to big games. Writers get to sink their teeth into meaningful outcomes and columnists get to opine on games that are not over by halftime. It’s one thing to cover Ohio State vs. Ball State; quite another to tackle OSU vs. Indiana, which should be a four-quarter game. Best against best is the pinnacle of competition. Enjoy the show.