It’s been a fun ride for the fifth-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, but their first test with the big boys this year could be their last.

Indiana traveled to Columbus on Saturday to face No. 2 Ohio State, and the Buckeyes defeated them 38-15.

The Hoosiers got on the board first, immediately after forcing a three-and-out to start the game. On Ohio State’s next possession, the Buckeyes had a 15-play drive that ended in a turnover on downs, giving all the momentum to Indiana, which had something to prove.

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Will Howard (18) of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

But they couldn’t take advantage of it. They punted and then allowed a touchdown. Both teams then traded turnovers. After a moment passed through the hands of the Indiana gambler, the Buckeyes needed just three plays and seven yards to take a 14-7 lead into the locker room.

The Hoosiers went three and out to open the third quarter, but their kick was taken to the house by Caleb Downs, giving OSU a 21-7 lead. Indiana went three-and-out again, and the Buckeyes responded with another trip to the end zone. The Buckeyes then kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to make it a four-possession game as the Hoosier offense continued to sputter.

After the touchdown, Indiana failed to score on its next eight drives and found the end zone again in garbage time. Kurtis Rourke was just 8-of-18 passing for 68 yards, while Ty Son Lawton and Justice Ellison combined to rush for 141 yards on 32 carries. Lawton scored both Hoosiers touchdowns.

Emeka Egbuka of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

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Will Howard completed all but four of his 26 passes, transmitting 201 yards and two scores. Emeka Egbuka, who caught seven passes for 80 yards, scored one of those touchdowns.

The Hoosiers won their first ten games, but now all signs point to an at-large bid to make the College Football Playoff. A blowout loss to one of the best teams in the country won’t help their cause, and they’ll close out their season against Purdue next week.

Moments after their loss, No. 9 Ole Miss was upset by Florida, so perhaps Indiana can stay alive for the Rebels’ loss.

Carson Hinzman (75) and Emeka Egbuka (2) of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

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The Buckeyes are now 10-1, with their lone loss coming at No. 1 Oregon on October 12 by a score of 32-31. They should snap their three-game losing streak against Michigan next week, with the defending champions visiting the Horsehoe at 5-5 on the season.

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