3 Biggest X-Factors For Ohio State to Take Down Indiana

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be taking on the Indiana Hoosiers this weekend, with the team trying to keep things rolling.

The matchup between Ohio State and Indiana will showcase two of the best teams in the country. Ohio State enters the game ranked as the No. 4 team in the nation, while Indiana is ranked No. 5.

Indiana took down the Buckeyes in the Big Ten title game last season en route to winning the National Championship. This game will have Ohio State seeking some revenge against the Hoosiers for how last season went.

This game will be played in Bloomington, giving Indiana a slight advantage entering the contest. But Ohio State has done well in hostile environments, and head coach Ryan Day will likely have his guys ready to go.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Buckeyes to come away with the win this week against Indiana.

1. Feed Jeremiah Smith

Like with any game for the Buckeyes, getting Smith involved is always a good idea for the offense. Smith is easily the best player in college football, and he is currently the frontrunner to take home the Heisman Trophy this season.

Through the first part of the season, Smith has recorded 46 catches for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Buckeyes star is on pace for a truly special season, and the team should look to feature him again against the Hoosiers.

2. Protect Julian Sayin

Keeping Sayin upright will be a major key in this game, especially with how thin the offensive line can be for the Buckeyes at times. Both Stephen Daley and Tobi Osunsanmi will be looking to pressure Sayin all game, and the right side of the line is going to have to hold up well for Ohio State to win.

In the Big Ten title game a year ago, Indiana was able to generate five sacks on Sayin, leading to the Buckeyes dropping the matchup. But if they can protect Sayin this time around, Ohio State would have a strong chance to pull off the win on the road.

3. Generating Pass Rush

Ohio State's pass rush has been limited this season, with the team only recording nine sacks on the year. Against an explosive offensive like Indiana, the Buckeyes will need to generate pressure against quarterback Josh Hoover.

If the Buckeyes can make him uncomfortable, it would help out this team greatly, forcing Hoover into tough spots. Ohio State has the talent to make this a reality, but Indiana's offensive line will also be a challenge to overcome.