When a Win Feels Like a Loss

When a win feels like a loss, you still take the win and count your lucky stars.

In a back-and-forth battle between the past two national champions, Ohio State’s defense did just enough to send the Buckeyes back to Columbus with a 19-15 win. Drama late in the game set the stage for a wild ending.

Early in the fourth quarter, Ohio State faced a 4th and 1 at the Indiana 38-yard line. And they opted to pass, a gutsy call in that situation. A double-teamed Jeremiah Smith caught the ball in the end zone to give the Buckeyes a 19-7 lead. The 2-point conversion failed, but OSU had a two-possession cushion.

At this point in the game, Indiana’s only points came after the first of two Amare Ferrell interceptions of Julian Sayin, setting the Hoosier’s up at the Buckeyes’ 7-yard line.

Indiana had other opportunities to put points on the board, but kicker Nico Radicic missed a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter and came up short on a 55-yard attempt in the third. Sometimes, winning requires a little help from your opponent, and Ohio State certainly got some. Last year, they gave the Hoosiers help with a missed field goal, so it certainly felt good to receive instead.

Now, down by 12 points in the fourth, Indiana found its rhythm and marched 56 yards in six plays, scored, and converted a two-point play. With 10:30 remaining, the Buckeyes led 19-15.

On OSU’s ensuing possession, Isaiah West accounted for 39 yards and moved the Buckeyes into Indiana territory. But Sayin was sacked and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by lineman Phillip Daniels but resulted in an 18-yard loss. The bigger loss happened after the play. Sayin left the game, later appearing on the sidelines with his right arm in a sling. Freshman Luke Fahey replaced him and, with help from a late hit penalty, moved the Buckeyes to the Hoosier 31-yard line.

But the drive imploded after a holding call and OSU punted with 5:31 left in the game. Indiana punted shortly afterward, as did the Buckeyes.

With 3:18 remaining, Indiana started at its own 30-yard line and IU receiver Charlie Becker did his best to put a dagger in OSU’s season for the second year in a row, this time with QB Josh Hoover delivering the ball instead of 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

Following a roughing the passer penalty on Jermaine Mathews, Jr., a questionable call, Indiana eventually settled into a 4th and four situation at the OSU 27-yard line with 1:07 remaining in the game.

Hoover lofted a pass to a wide-open Nick Marsh in the front, left corner of the end zone. Marsh caught the ball for the score.

Indiana takes the lead!

But wait. No, he didn’t. His left foot landed out of bounds after he made the catch, which made it a no-catch and turned the ball over on downs to Ohio State.

Final score: OSU 19 Indiana 15.

I never feel bad for an opponent after they lose to Ohio State, but I felt for Nick Marsh on that play. Like everyone else, he thought he’d won the game. The difference between winning and losing came down to the width of his shoe.

The #4 Buckeyes move to 6-1 and head into a bye week before travelling to USC on Halloween, fortuitous timing considering the injury to Sayin. After the game, Ryan Day estimated Sayin would be out several weeks.

The #5 Hoosiers fall to the same record. Indiana had won 22 consecutive games prior to this loss. With his touchdown catch, Jeremiah Smith tied Braylon Edwards from Connor Stalions University for the most career receiving touchdowns in Big Ten history.

O – H!