Cody Simon starred as Ohio State beat Indiana 38-15 in Columbus, Ohio, in a match between top five teams. The game was not as close as the final score indicates, as Indiana scored a touchdown in the fleeting minutes of the fourth quarter. The win was important for Ohio State as it gave them an inside track to the Big Ten Championship game. Cody Simon came up big. Indiana should still make the twelve-team College Football Playoff. Ohio State controls its destiny, and if they beat Michigan and (probably) Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game, they will earn a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
The reports of Ohio State’s injuries on the offensive line derailing the Buckeye title drive seem somewhat exaggerated now. However, with a makeshift offensive line in this game, Ohio State struggled to run the ball. However, if Ohio State gets big contributions from unsung members of its defense, like Cody Simon, it will be fine. It is now Michigan week, the best rivalry in all sports.
Cody Simon has a Big First Half
Cody Simon, a linebacker for Ohio State, had 2 ½ sacks in the first half. Ohio State, who only had eleven sacks coming into the game, had five sacks in the game. If Ohio State is to overcome injuries on its offensive lines, then its defense must play well. That happened in this game, and Cody Simon was essential to the victory.
Ohio State needed to start fast, and Cody Simon’s 2 1/12, career-high, first-half sacks were essential to the fast start. It was good to see Cody Simon star because he wears number 0 – which is given to the Ohio State Football player who best exemplifies the spirit of Ohio State football. Cody Simon is loved by his coaches and fellow players.
Something happened in this game to Ohio State that had not happened since 2014. It turned the game’s momentum and virtually guaranteed Ohio State would win midway through the third quarter.
Caleb Downs, Everyone’s All-American
Caleb Downs, transferred from the University of Alabama to Ohio State in the offseason. He is an All-American. Downs took over the punt-returning duties for the Buckeyes three games ago and returned today a punt for a touchdown. It was the first time since 2014 that Ohio State returned a punt for a touchdown. Ohio State won the national championship in football that year. Then Downs’ punt return pairs with the 2 ½ sacks from Cody Simon.
Game Notes
- Quarterback Will Howard completed his first fourteen passes and ranks second in the NCAA in completion percentage. He was 22-26 today.
- Bennett Christian started his first career game at Ohio State at Tight End.
- 105,751 people attended the game in Ohio Stadium.
- Ohio State has dominated Indiana, winning 30 in a row.
- Ohio State outgained Indiana 316-151 in the dominant performance.
Scoring Summary
In the first quarter, Indiana jumped to a 7-0 lead as Ty Son Lawton scored for them. But Ohio State scored twice in the second quarter, set up by Cody Simon’s 2 ½ sacks. Emerka Ebuka caught a touchdown pass, and then TreVeyon Henderson scored a rushing touchdown, and Ohio State had a 14-7 halftime lead.
Downs had his punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter and Ohio State then added another touchdown as seldom-used Tight End, Jelani Turman caught a touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter, Ohio State kicked a field goal. Ty Son Lawson had his second touchdown of the game for Indiana, and Indiana got a two-point conversion. Then Ohio State tacked on a touchdown with a Will Howard run. Ohio State won the game 38-15.
Conclusion
Powered by strong performances from many players, including linebacker Cody Simon, this important win gave Ohio State the inside track to the Big Ten Championship. Ohio State must now defeat that team up North, which Ohio State hosts. It is Michigan week.
