Ohio State headed into Bloomington with a lot of pressure on them to avenge what happened last year in the Big Ten Championship. Indiana ended up beating the Buckeyes in that game and ended any shot of them getting the number-one seed. Charlie Becker also had something to say after that win, as well.
Becker gave a vulgar message to Ohio State after the win. Everyone in Ohio State's locker room took note of that, and they wanted revenge for that moment alone. Ohio State ended up winning the game 19-15 after winning on one of the most dramatic plays ever.
Ohio State wins after a catch out of bounds instead of a touchdown
On fourth-and-4, Josh Hoover threw a deep pass to Nick Marsh. It looked like it was going to be a touchdown to take the lead with about a minute left. Instead, he wasn't able to get his foot down. The Buckeyes were able to take a couple of knees, and that was it.
However, it wasn't Julian Sayin taking the knee. He was knocked out early in the fourth quarter, meaning Luke Fahey had to come in. Fahey looked overwhelmed, which is understandable. For a true freshman to come in at that point in time is a lot to ask.
After the game, Ryan Day was asked if he had an update on Sayin's condition by Jenny Taft.
"I don't have one right now. Obviously, that was a big blow to us, but the rest of the team picked it up for him."
Day was pleased with how the team finished, though.
"We talked about being aggressive with the game on defense in the end. Obviously, the huge fourth-down play made it possible. We had to win a game like this in the fourth quarter, and we were able to do that. It was a great game. You've got to give them a lot of credit, but credit to our guys for continuing to fight and winning the game in the fourth quarter, especially without Julian.
Ohio State stuck it to Charlie Becker even though he had a great game
The Buckeyes may have ultimately stuck it to Becker, but he also had a great game against them. He finished the game with nine catches for 165 yards. He was able to get free, even though the Buckeyes weren't quite able to do the same with Jeremiah Smith. Smith wasn't able to get as free as Ohio State was hoping.
Still, Smith had the fourth-down touchdown catch that ultimately was the difference. He has been the best player in college football and will continue to be. He's going to be even more important if Sayin is forced to miss an extended period of time. That remains to be seen.
This is a great win for Ohio State and gives them a buffer to still lose another game and make the College Football Playoff. A bye could not come at a better time with Sayin injured. Hopefully, that week gives him the rest he needs to come back against USC and Oregon.
Add us as a preferred source on Google