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# 6 Ohio State (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) in Indiana (2-0, 0-0), Saturday at noon, Eastern Daylight Time (FOX).
Line: Ohio State by 16 1/2.
Record series: Ohio State leads 74-12-5.
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WHAT IS IN PLAY?
Both teams want to make statements at the opening of the conference. But the Buckeyes can not afford any mistakes, even early, to qualify for the playoffs.
KEY MATCHUP
Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. Ohio State DE Chase Young. Penix won the Hoosiers' first job because of his ability to make big games with his arms and legs. But he has only started two college games and is now facing one of the best defenders in the country, led by one of the best pass holders. Young had 10 and a half sacks last season, has already had three this season and is trying to join former Buckeye star Mike Vrabel as the only player in the school with a 10-bag season in a row.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
State of Ohio: QB Justin Fields and RB J.K. Dobbins. Fields played as a Heisman Trophy contender for the first two weeks – totaling 280.5 offensive yards and nine touchdowns. Dobbins returns to Bloomington where he began his academic career with 181 yards, a new school record for his university debut. The Buckeyes are 10-0 when Dobbins crossed the 100 yard mark.
Indiana: Penix. The freshman redshirt won his first two games and improved his accuracy between weeks 1 and 2. Saturday, Penix will not participate in the defense of the Mid-American Conference Division or Football Championship – he will face his most big test so far.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Ohio State won 23 straight games in the series, a tie in 1990. … Indiana's last win against the Buckeyes was produced at Memorial Stadium in 1988. … In the seven Last seasons, Ohio State scored 30-3 Big Ten road games. … The Hoosiers are playing their 12th ranked opponent since 2015, the third total of the nation behind Alabama (17) and the Ohio State (13). … The Buckeyes defense has awarded 21 points this season – just six points in the first three quarters – and 64.5 yards on the ground. … Four Buckeyes return to their home country, including two long-time entrants – LB Pete Werner and WR Austin Mack. Indiana's 52-point win last week was the school's biggest victory since 1944.
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