BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — No. 2 Ohio State (11-2, 8-1 Big Ten in 2016) at Indiana (6-7, 4-5 in 2015), 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Ohio State by 20½.
Series Record: Ohio State leads 73-12-5.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Three years ago, Ohio State overcame an early-season road loss to win the national championship. A slip up this time would be much more damaging for the defending Big Ten East Division co-champs, who are seeking more than just another appearance in the conference championship game. Indiana hasn’t beaten the Buckeyes since 1988. A win in what is being billed as the biggest home opener in school history could signal big changes are on the way under first-year coach Tom Allen.
KEY MATCHUP
Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins vs. Indiana’s run defense. Weber ran for 1,093 yards last season but has been slowed by a hamstring injury. Dobbins has impressed as a true freshman and is already No. 2 on the Buckeyes depth chart. Together, they pose a huge challenge for Indiana’s defense. But if the Hoosiers have any chance to pull an upset, the run defense must be at least as stout as it was last season (3.8 yards per carry).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ohio State: QB J.T. Barrett. A year ago, he struggled with accuracy. Earlier this month, Meyer called that facet Barrett’s biggest offseason improvement. It’s a big deal. The Buckeyes need their senior quarterback to round into form and play like the conference’s two-time quarterback of the year.
Indiana: LB Tegray Scales and CB Rashard Fant. Scales led the nation in 2016 with 23½ tackles for loss. Fant enters this season as the active leader in the Football Bowl Subdivision in passes defensed (48) and pass breakups (44). Together, they’re hoping to anchor a Top 25 defense.
FACTS & FIGURES
Thursday’s game marks the first time since 1996 that a conference game has been played on opening weekend. … Ohio State last opened the season with a league game on the road in 1975. … Indiana has won 14 of its last 15 home openers but is 1-9 all-time against ranked teams in Week 1. … Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is 15-0 in season openers. The Buckeyes are 12-0 when facing a league opponent in Week 1. … Allen took over after Kevin Wilson resigned last December. Wilson is now the Buckeyes offensive coordinator. … Ohio State has won 22 straight in the series, including the 2010 game that was later vacated. … Ohio State has won 22 of its last 23 road games. … Barrett needs six touchdowns to tie Drew Brees’ conference record for most TDs responsible for (106).
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