Ohio State-Indiana result could come down to this unit

Against Indiana’s high-powered offense — ranked second in the nation for scoring to Miami — defensive coordinator Jim Knowles must keep his unit sharp, starting with cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun. 

Ohio State's corners have been inconsistent in man-to-man coverage, and opponents have exposed this weakness in nearly every game since the loss to Oregon.

Although Ohio State boasts the nation’s top scoring defense, it ranks sixth in passing yards allowed (160.1 YPG), a potential Achilles' heel against Indiana’s high-powered offense. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke (71.8 completion percentage) has played efficiently and will likely take deep shots, testing Ohio State’s secondary with one of the cleanest offenses in college football.

While Indiana’s offensive line showed some vulnerability under pressure from Michigan's pass rush in its last outing, the Hoosiers come into this game well-rested after a bye week. With time to recharge and study film, they’ll be prepared for the tough challenge awaiting them in Columbus.

For Ohio State to keep Rourke in check, cornerbacks Burke and Igbinosun must lock down Indiana’s passing game. If they can deliver, along with defensive playmakers Caleb Downs, (safety), Sonny Styles (safety) and Jack Sawyer (defensive end) showing up big, the defense could be the difference in securing a big win Saturday.