Indiana vs. Ohio State: Picks, Predictions and Odds

In the most anticipated College Football game of Week 13, the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers travel to Columbus to face the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

Both teams bring impressive credentials, with Indiana sitting undefeated at 10-0 in Curt Cignetti’s first year as head coach, while Ohio State stands at 9-1 with their only blemish being a one-point road loss to top-ranked Oregon.

The Hoosiers have leaned on their stout defense and explosive passing attack, while the Buckeyes boast one of the nation’s deepest rosters, filled with future NFL talent.

This matchup pits Indiana’s gritty, overachieving squad against a battle-tested Ohio State team with National Championship aspirations.

Ohio State enters as 13.5-point favorites, but Indiana has proven its mettle throughout the season, consistently exceeding expectations.

Can the Hoosiers continue their dream season, or will the Buckeyes' superior depth and talent prove too much to overcome?

Indiana vs. Ohio State betting picks and predictions

Indiana +13.5 (-105)

While Ohio State’s talent advantage is undeniable, Indiana has the tools to keep this game close.

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke leads an efficient passing attack, completing 21 touchdown passes to just four interceptions.

Despite struggling against Michigan’s quality defense, Rourke is rested after a bye week, giving him more time to heal from a thumb injury that kept him out a couple of weeks back.

With wide receivers Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper, Myles Price, Ke’Shawn Williams and Miles Cross, the Hoosiers can stretch the field and exploit opportunities against a Buckeyes secondary that has had occasional lapses in coverage.

The real test will be Indiana’s offensive line against Ohio State’s formidable defensive front. Edge rushers J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer anchor a unit that ranks second nationally in estimated points added (EPA) per dropback.

While Indiana’s offensive line has held up well, this will be its toughest test yet. Rourke must rely on quick reads and timing routes to neutralize the Buckeyes’ pass rush.

Defensively, Indiana’s front seven, led by standout edge rusher Mikail Kamara (9.5 sacks), is capable of disrupting Ohio State’s offense. Kamara leads the nation in pressures and should have opportunities to exploit a banged-up Buckeyes offensive line missing its top two left tackles.

Donovan Jackson’s move to left tackle adds uncertainty to an already shaky unit.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has been steady but unspectacular, a reflection of Chip Kelly’s conservative offensive approach. Despite elite weapons like Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes have relied more on their running game.

TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins form a lethal duo, but Indiana’s run defense, allowing just 2.5 yards per carry, can force Howard into uncomfortable passing situations.

The Hoosiers’ defense has yet to face a challenge of this magnitude, but their discipline and physicality give them a chance to slow the Buckeyes enough to cover the spread.

With Rourke capable of leading a few scoring drives, Indiana should keep this game within two touchdowns.

Under 52.5 Total Points (-110)

This game’s total is priced right given the two teams’ strengths on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes have hit the Under in six of their last seven games, often relying on their elite defense to control games.

Against comparable defenses like Penn State and Nebraska, Ohio State averaged just 20.5 points per game.

Indiana’s defense is similarly stout, ranking 12th in SP+ and excelling against both the run and pass.

While Ohio State’s offense is loaded with playmakers, their recent performances suggest a lack of explosiveness.

Will Howard has been efficient but doesn’t consistently stretch the field, and the Buckeyes’ offensive line issues could limit their ability to capitalize on Indiana’s undersized secondary.

Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka present matchup nightmares, but Indiana’s disciplined scheme can prevent the big plays that typically break games open.

On the other side, Indiana’s offense faces an uphill battle against the nation’s top-ranked defense in SP+.

Ohio State’s front seven should dominate the line of scrimmage, making it difficult for Indiana to establish any semblance of a running game.

Rourke has the arm talent to take shots and connect downfield, but Ohio State’s pass rush and secondary are likely to limit Indiana’s overall success in the passing game.

Both teams are capable of scoring in bursts, but the defenses should dictate the tempo. Ohio State has no incentive to push the pace, especially if they can control the clock with their running game.

Indiana’s inability to sustain long drives against elite defenses further points to a low-scoring affair.

Expect a game where Ohio State grinds out a methodical win, with the final score likely staying Under the total.

A 27-17 or 28-20 result feels reasonable, keeping the Under in play and Indiana within striking distance of the spread.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Indiana vs. Ohio State odds

Indiana	+375 ML
Ohio State	-500 ML
Spread	Ohio State -13.5
Total Points	O/U 52.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.