What to like about Ohio State’s win over Maryland
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Ohio State didn’t play anywhere near their potential in Saturday’s 45-16 win over Maryland.
Even though there was a lot that ruffled the feathers of Buckeye Nation, there also was some positives to come from the victory over the Terrapins.
While the mistakes will obviously be scrutinized by Ryan Day and his coaching staff this week as the team prepares for Saturday’s showdown at Indiana, let’s look at a few things to like about the game against Maryland.
The Buckeyes avoid chaos
Texas essentially did what Ohio State did last month in Austin. The Longhorns collapsed in the second half in the Red River Rivalry, allowing Oklahoma to earn a comeback victory. With the loss there are serious questions about if Texas is a true title contender.
Indiana was pushed to the limit by Nebraska. Oregon and Florida lost at home. Alabama had a demoralizing loss because of a boneheaded penalty. The honeymoon era in Baton Rouge for Lane Kiffin already looks over after LSU lost in overtime at Kentucky.
Ohio State avoided any drama in the win over Maryland. Not that anyone really thought the game would be close but college football can get weird. It could have easily been a trap game if the Buckeyes weren’t focused. Thankfully the game was never in doubt.
If there was a game to miss
The Buckeyes were without offensive lineman Austin Siereveld, along with wide receivers Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss, as well as linebacker Christian Alliegro. The absence of those regular starters allowed for some fresh faces to see more playing time.
Siereveld was a late addition to the participation report as the regular starting tackle was dealing with an illness. Gabe Van Sickle slid from guard to tackle, allowing Jake Cook, who had featured in the “bison” package in previous games, made his first career start.
At wide receiver, with McCuin and Inniss not able to play, freshman Chris Henry Jr. made his first start. Phillip Bell and Kyle Parker also were on the field more on Saturday. Henry, Bell, and Parker each had a catch in the victory.
On defense, T.J. Alford filled in for Alliegro at linebacker. Cam Calhoun started in the secondary with Jay Timmons again unable to play.
These snaps are a lot more meaningful that those earlier in the season in blowouts of Ball State and Kent State. This was an actual Big Ten game in the middle of the season. This work could be critical for those that stepped in for the injured Buckeyes if their number happens to be called later in the season.
The ground game looked better
After Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson had been splitting carries so far this season, the sophomore running back looked more like Ohio State’s feature back on Saturday, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.
Ja’Kobi Jackson still got plenty of work, finishing with 76 yards on 14 carries. Legend Bey even got into the mix, getting four totes of the football. As a team, the Buckeyes ran for 207 yards.
If Ohio State can run the football with similar effectiveness in Bloomington then the Buckeyes have a great shot at halting Indiana’s 21-game winning streak. Controlling the clock and keeping the football out of the Hoosiers hands will be critical.
A blueprint for Indiana
The Hoosiers don’t look nearly as untouchable this year as they did in 2025. As mentioned earlier, Nebraska gave Curt Cignetti’s team all they could handle in Lincoln. The end result was one far too familiar to Cornhusker fans.
Last year Ohio State nearly beat Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. There’s no doubt the Buckeyes have the horses to take down the Hoosiers. Ohio State will have revenge on their mind on Saturday.
Even though Indiana prevailed against Nebraska, the Cornhuskers highlighted weaknesses of the Hoosiers. Hopefully Ryan Day and his staff are taking notes on how to attack Indiana on both sides of the football.
If anything, the Buckeyes should have confidence going into the game because they are the more tested team. Ohio State has already hit the road to take on Texas and Iowa, so the short trip to Bloomington shouldn’t faze them.
Julian and Jeremiah continue to cook
Jeremiah Smith’s stats weren’t as gaudy as the last two games. The junior wide receiver still looked like the front-runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Smith found the end zone two more times and had a highlight reel one-handed catch.
Sayin might have had a rough pick-six, but he also tossed four touchdown passes. At least Sayin hopefully got any mistakes out of the way in a game where the stakes aren’t nearly as high. Ohio State didn’t need Sayin to be perfect against the Terrapins.
Since the Texas game, Sayin has 13 touchdown passes and just one interception. Anthony Colandrea almost beat Indiana and didn’t throw a touchdown pass. If Sayin can throw for 250 yards, a couple touchdown, and not turn the football over than the Buckeyes will be tough to beat next week.
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