It took the Ohio State Buckeyes some time to shake off the offseason rust, but when they did, the No. 2 team in the country showed why they're deserving of that ranking.
After trailing by as many as eight points in the second quarter, Ohio State closed the game with 29 unanswered points as they pulled away for the 49-21 win over the Indiana Hoosiers.
True freshman running back J.K. Dobbins started for the injured Mike Weber and was arguably the best player on the field for the Buckeyes, racking up 181 yards on 29 carries. He carried the offense while the passing game warmed up. J.T. Barrett finally broke through in the third quarter, when he tossed two long touchdown passes that turned the game into a blowout.
.@PCampbell21's huge catch and run put #OhioState back on top! #OSUvsIND pic.twitter.com/vKvvWTWX1A
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 1, 2017
.@YoungKing_JD5 puts #OhioState in control with this 59-yard TD catch! #OSUvsIND pic.twitter.com/LsgqYPClDD
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 1, 2017
Barrett finished the game with 304 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 61 yards and another score on the ground. Parris Campbell also had a big game with six catches for 136 yards and that long touchdown run.
Indiana came out on fire in the opening minutes in front of a raucous crowd led by their passing attack. Simmie Cobbs Jr. (11 catches, 149 yards, TD) reeled in a pair of one-handed catches and a touchdown while tight end Ian Thomas (five catches, 53 yards, two TDs) also caught an acrobatic touchdown, giving the Hoosiers the early 14-6 lead.
How is Indiana beating Ohio State? This incredible TD catch from @greatness_16! #iufb #OSUvsIND pic.twitter.com/gJGDYS9kad
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 1, 2017
However, Indiana turned the ball over twice in the second half as their offense stalled out. Quarterback Richard Lagow went 40/65 passing for 410 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Indiana will try to get their first win next Saturday, when they hit the road to take on Virginia.
Ohio State returns home to face No. 7 Oklahoma next Saturday. Kickoff time is set for 7:30 pm ET on ABC.
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