Ohio State isn't a healthy team heading into the Buckeyes' Big Ten game of the year against Indiana in Bloomington this coming Saturday.
From the looks of it, the Hoosiers will be, though, outside of their long-term injuries.
In terms of starters, tight end Andrew Barker is the only long-term absence from Indiana's 1s. Barker has been absent since the Rutgers game and is without a timetable to return.
Other than that, the Hoosiers are getting mostly good injury news.
A.J. Harris, Daniel Ndukwe make healthy returns against Nebraska
Defensive end Daniel Ndukwe made his return to the field for Indiana during a comeback 20-17 win over Nebraska in Lincoln, which the Huskers were in control of for most of the 60 minutes. Ndukwe was out against the Scarlet Knights in Week 5 but made his return after just one game away. Ndukwe is one of the best backfield hunters on the roster.
A.J. Harris also made his return against Nebraska after being out since Week 1. Curt Cignetti and Bryant Haines leaned on Jaylen Bell and Jamari Sharpe in Harris's absence. Harris took over in the second half after being eased into the action. The defense looked much improved late after Sharpe was targeted by Huskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea.
All in all, Indiana's defense looked closer to whole during a trap game that nearly had the Hoosiers fully in the Big Red trap.
Now, IU looks ready for a date with OSU, with a clean bill of health mostly, barring any issues in practice over the next week.
Ohio State injuries could hold Buckeyes back in B1G title game rematch
Ryan Day does not have the same luck with his roster.
The Buckeyes are limping into Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium.
The offensive line has several banged-up starters. Right tackle Phillip Daniels hasn't played since the Texas game. Right guard/tackle Austin Siereveld, perhaps the most NFL-ready member of the group, was out against Maryland.
In their place, Jake Cook and Gabe VanSickle stepped up to start, though the returns weren't ideal, facing a less-than-threatening Terrapins defensive front, to boot.
Meanwhile, there are multiple receivers (Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuin) and defenders (nickel Jay Timmons, linebacker Christian Alliegro) with uncertain statuses as well.
Are Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith by themselves enough to beat IU?
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith have sometimes not needed help from other players to completely dominate offensively. Smith has had two 200-plus-yard performances and four 150-plus-yard performances. The two have had a magical connection all year, and the lack of Sayin finding his other receivers with volume is boosting Smith's Heisman odds.
The two can't beat the Hoosiers alone, though.
Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson provided plenty of firepower against Maryland, amassing a combined 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. They will need to show up again against an Indiana defense that ranks No. 7 nationally against the run.
Another strong day from the tight ends would be appreciated. Nate Roberts' 68-yard touchdown reception and another touchdown catch for Mason Williams at the goal line helped keep the Terps at bay.
Sayin and Smith need any help they can get against a fully healthy Hoosiers defense.
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