Indiana's X-Factor: Hoosiers Pass Rush Must Disrupt Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Indiana is 6-0 and ranked No. 5 in the country. Ohio State is 5-1 and ranked No. 4. When these two Big Ten heavyweights meet, the stakes are enormous, and the Hoosiers will need a difference-maker, or two or three, to pull off a statement victory. That X factor? Indiana’s pass rush.

The Buckeyes have one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver combinations in the country. Quarterback Julian Sayin has been outstanding, throwing for 1,772 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions. His accuracy and decision-making make him incredibly difficult to defend when he has time to operate in the pocket.

Then there’s Jeremiah Smith, who is the best player in college football. The Ohio State superstar has 48 catches for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averages more than 150 receiving yards per game, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Smith is a physical freak with the speed, size, and playmaking ability to turn an ordinary completion into an explosive touchdown.

If Sayin has time to throw, Smith can take over a game. Indiana cannot afford to let that happen.

Fortunately for the Hoosiers, their pass rush has been a strength all season. Indiana ranks third nationally with 20 sacks through six games, averaging 3.33 sacks per contest. The defense has consistently found ways to get after opposing quarterbacks, and that ability will be tested against one of the nation's most efficient passers.

Stephen Daley and Tobi Osunsanmi lead the way with five sacks apiece. Daley has also accumulated 36 sack yards, while Osunsanmi has totaled 31. Both will be critical to Indiana's efforts to collapse the pocket from the edges and force Sayin into uncomfortable situations.

Byron Baldwin Jr., a defensive back, along with Mario Landino and Keishaun Calhoun, a pair of big fellas in the middle of the D-line, have contributed two sacks each, giving the Hoosiers additional options to generate pressure. Indiana's defensive unit has demonstrated that its production doesn't depend on one player, and that depth could prove vital against Ohio State's offense.

The mission is simple: Sack Sayin, hurry his throws, hit him when possible, and make him uncomfortable on every dropback. Even an extremely accurate quarterback like Sayin will become less effective when he's constantly under pressure. Disrupting his timing could prevent Smith from finding space downfield and force Ohio State into difficult third-down situations.

Indiana doesn't necessarily need to shut down Smith completely. It needs to prevent Sayin from consistently delivering the ball to him on schedule.

This matchup could come down to a few critical possessions. If Indiana's pass rush wins those battles, the Hoosiers have a legitimate opportunity to knock off the Buckeyes and prove they belong among college football's elite.