Gameday morning: 5 things I want to see from Indiana against Ohio State

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — It's only been 11,299 days since Indiana last beat Ohio State in a college football game, but who's counting?

Well, I did. Twice. It's been a long, long time. I ran into a fired-up 30-year-old last night who said, "They've never beaten Ohio State in my LIFETIME!'' The much-improved Hoosiers are hoping that happens on Saturday, but Ohio State, the class of the Big Ten for years now, is still very good.

The Buckeyes are 2-0 and have looked good doing it. They are ranked No. 6 in the country. Indiana is 2-0 and has looked a different kind of good. It's going to take a lot to pull off the upset, especially with the status of Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. still in doubt.

Here are five things I want to see from Indiana on Saturday. Kickoff is at Noon ET at Memorial Stadium (TV: Fox)

1. Getting the best game possible out of QB Peyton Ramsey

I'll be shocked if Penix is able to go today. They're saying its a game-time decision, but he hasn't practiced much all week and we're guessing his undisclosed injury is shoulder related. So in steps former starter Peyton Ramsey, who, need I remind you, threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns against the Buckeyes a year ago. It sure helps having an experienced backup and he was crisp last week, completing 13 of 14 passes for 226 yards on one half of work. He'll need to be at his best on Saturday.

2. The offensive line can make some creases for the RBs

Indiana's running game hasn't been great so far, but it has gotten better every half and it has been productive in the red zone. This Ohio State defensive front is tough, so Indiana's senior-led offensive line will have to be at its best. The Hoosiers really need to be able to run the ball today.

3. Win the special teams battle

It's going to be very important to break a return for a touchdown or, at the very least, continue to give Indiana's offense short fields. A long David Ellis kickoff return or two will be nice, and it would be great to see Whop Philyor take a punt back to the house. You feel me?

4. Start the turnover streak again

For all that went right in last Saturday's 52-0 win over Eastern Illinois, it was disappointing that the Hoosiers' 19-game streak of forcing a turnover — then the longest streak in the nation — came to an end. This will be a good week to start a new streak, because winning the turnover battle is going to be critical. Ohio State redshirt freshman Justin Fields is making his first college start on the road and IU needs to rattle him and take him down hard whenever they can. They need to make him feel uncomfortable, which in kind will lead to poor decisions and turnovers.

5. And just find a way to win

Indiana is better, no question, but Ohio State is still the benchmark. Indiana has played them tough for two or three quarters lately, but they've never had enough to finish games against the big boys. Well, now's your chance. All through the spring, summer and fall, the Hoosiers have stressed "finishing.'' So go finish! A Logan Justus 43-yard field goal to win it at the buzzer sounds delightful. Indiana, 31-30.

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