There have already been a few articles about Indiana's offense at 11W this week - so there's really no need to cover old ground in that regard. For instance, Michael Citro did a nice piece here: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2015/09/60482/ohio-state-indiana-meet-as-unbeatens-for-first-time-since-1954 But for those who would like a look at the other side of the ball as well, here is some basic information on the Hoosiers' defense.
The statistics may not be terribly reliable given the level of competition Indiana has faced over the first four weeks. But they don't look to be very strong defensively, in any case. The Hoosiers are ranked 121st nationally in total defense (according to ESPN statistics) - giving up 499 yards and 32 points per game.
Indiana may be undefeated - but here's an interesting little factoid. Offensively, they're averaging 6.3 yards per play while their opponents are averaging 6.4.
So far this season, the Hoosiers haven't been that bad defending the run, however. They're giving up 138 yards per game on the ground - ranking 47th nationally. The Buckeyes are ranked 36th in that category, incidentally.
IU may not have that defender who jumps out and simply grabs one's attention, but generally, their front seven seem to be fairly stout. WLB, Marcus Oliver* is their leading tackler with 28 thus far - but four players have more than 20 - and most of the starters have more than 10.
The Indiana defensive line took a hit this week when starting tackle, Darius Lathum, was suspended indefinitely. Apparently, the coaches feel back-ups such as Robert McCray III (6'1" 273lbs) and Ralphael Green (6'5" 315lbs) should be able to fill in without too much of a drop-off.
The middle of Ohio State's offensive line has had it's struggles with good nose tackles in a couple of games already this season. Indiana's Adarius Rayner (6'2"- 300lbs) may provide another challenge in that critical area.
The Hoosiers' front seven is a veteran group. Most of the starters have at least a season or two under their belts. The same cannot be said of their secondary, however. Indiana's starting backfield is quite inexperienced this year - and it shows.
Strong safety Jonathan Crawford and cornerback, Andre Brown are both true freshmen. The other two starters - corner, Rashard Fant and free safety, Chase Dutra, are red-shirt sophomores. Crawford is showing promise, though. He's third on the team in tackles with 24 - and he leads in interceptions with two.
Only one FBS team (Nebraska) is giving up more yards per game than the 126th ranked Hoosiers' pass defense. Verses questionable competition, they've yielded an average of 360 yards per game.
Even more so than usual, against Indiana, Ohio State's offense will be faced with a defense that's vulnerable to the passing attack. This should be a good week to iron-out some of the bugs they've been experiencing in that phase of the game. Once again, receivers should be getting open. Wide open. It'll be up to Cardale Jones to hit them more consistently than he did verses Western Michigan -
Prediction: Ohio State - 49 Indiana - 26
*http://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/depth-chart/indiana/90728
