Blake Biscardi and Grant Kincaid make six bold predictions for Ohio State vs. Indiana, pick the winner and over/under, and break down the keys to victory in Bloomington.

Ohio State has a chance to answer one of the biggest questions surrounding its program as it travels to Bloomington to face Indiana on Saturday. The Buckeyes and Hoosiers meet in a top-five showdown and a rematch of last season’s Big Ten Championship Game, where Indiana handed Ohio State a 13-10 defeat.

On the latest episode of Buckeye Cadence, Blake Biscardi and Grant Kincaid broke down the matchup, offering six bold predictions, their game picks, and the factors that could determine the outcome. Ohio State enters the game seeking to avenge last season’s loss, while Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers look to extend their 22-game winning streak.

The Buckeyes will have to navigate a difficult road environment while answering questions about the offensive line and the backfield. Indiana’s defensive front presents a massive challenge, and Ohio State’s ability to protect quarterback Julian Sayin will determine how effectively its offense operates.

Here are the six bold predictions and keys to victory from the latest episode of Buckeye Cadence.

6 Bold Predictions for the Buckeyes vs. Hoosiers

1. Josh Hoover commits multiple turnovers

Grant Kincaid expects Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover to commit multiple turnovers against Ohio State, including his first interception of the season.

Hoover has operated effectively within Curt Cignetti’s offensive system, throwing 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions so far this season. The Buckeyes have the secondary talent to contest throws across the field and capitalize on mistakes, especially if their defensive front forces Hoover into uncomfortable passing situations.

Indiana’s passing game features dangerous targets in Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, but Hoover will need to make accurate throws against a defense that can disrupt his timing. Kincaid expects Ohio State to capitalize on those opportunities and force the Hoosiers into costly mistakes.

Kincaid’s prediction: Hoover commits at least two turnovers, including an interception.

2. Jaylen McClain returns an interception for a touchdown

Biscardi builds on Kincaid’s prediction, calling for Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain to return an interception for a touchdown as a game-changing second-quarter play that gives Ohio State a defensive score. The Buckeyes’ safeties will have important responsibilities against Indiana’s offense, balancing their roles in run support with the need to limit explosive plays through the air.

Indiana’s receiving threats, particularly Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, will challenge McClain. If Ohio State pressures Hoover and forces a hurried decision, McClain could capitalize and give the Buckeyes momentum on the road.

Biscardi’s prediction: McClain records a second-quarter pick-six.

3. Ohio State’s defensive line records three sacks

Kincaid expects Ohio State’s defensive line to produce one of its strongest performances of the season, predicting three sacks against Hoover.

The Buckeyes have worked through personnel changes and developed cohesion along the defensive front as the season has progressed. Kincaid believes the group is positioned to make a statement against Indiana, particularly if Ohio State can create pressure without relying heavily on blitzes.

Qua Russaw has made an impact in recent weeks, while Eddrick Houston has continued to develop after overcoming early adversity. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. also gives Ohio State an experienced edge presence capable of disrupting the pocket. Khary Wilder could factor in, depending on his availability. That combination gives the Buckeyes several options to generate pressure.

Kincaid’s prediction: Ohio State’s defensive line records at least three sacks.

4. Phillip Bell finishes with more than 75 total yards

Biscardi expects wide receiver Phillip Bell to become a significant contributor against Indiana, predicting more than 75 total yards from receiving and returns. Bell has earned a larger role as the season has progressed, showing he can create opportunities with the ball in his hands. His special teams contributions also give Ohio State another way to generate explosive plays and improve field position.

Bell could have more opportunities to contribute, depending on the overall health of the receiving corps. Ohio State needs production beyond its established stars, especially if Indiana devotes extra attention to Jeremiah Smith.

Biscardi’s prediction: Bell records more than 75 combined receiving and return yards.

5. Legend Bey scores a touchdown out of the Wildcat formation

Kincaid expects freshman running back Legend Bey to get a bigger role against Indiana and predicts he will score a touchdown out of the Wildcat formation.

Ohio State’s running back depth has been a major storyline entering the game. With Ja’Kobi Jackson ruled out and Isaiah West trending toward full-go, Bo Jackson is expected to carry a significant share of the workload. That could create opportunities for Bey.

Bey’s versatility gives Ohio State another option as it looks for ways to generate offense against Indiana’s defensive front. Using him in the Wildcat would put the ball directly in his hands and give the Buckeyes another look near the goal line. Kincaid believes the circumstances could push Ohio State to expand Bey’s role, particularly in short-yardage situations and on designed runs.

Kincaid’s prediction: Bey scores a rushing touchdown from the Wildcat formation.

6. Ohio State outrushes Indiana

Biscardi’s final prediction centers on the Buckeyes’ running game. He expects Ohio State to finish with more rushing yards than Indiana, despite the Hoosiers’ defensive front.

Ohio State’s rushing attack has not consistently produced the explosive plays the offense needs, and the absence of starting offensive lineman Austin Siereveld adds another layer of difficulty. The Buckeyes will need their offensive line to create space against an Indiana defense that has been particularly effective against the run.

Biscardi believes Bo Jackson could provide the answer. With Ja’Kobi Jackson out, Bo will carry a heavier workload as Ohio State’s lead back. The Buckeyes need him to run decisively, create yards after contact, and turn modest gains into productive plays. Success on the edges could be especially important against Indiana’s defensive front.

Biscardi’s prediction: Ohio State finishes with more rushing yards than Indiana.

3 Keys to Victory for Ohio State

1. Julian Sayin must use his legs

Sayin’s ability to navigate pressure is one of the most important factors in the game. Indiana disrupted Ohio State’s offense in the Big Ten Championship Game by collapsing the pocket and recording five sacks. Those negative plays repeatedly stalled drives and prevented the Buckeyes from building sustained momentum.

Ohio State must do a better job protecting Sayin, but the quarterback also needs to recognize pressure and use his mobility to extend plays. Escaping the pocket can create downfield opportunities for receivers while limiting the damage Indiana’s pass rush can inflict.

The Buckeyes cannot afford repeated sacks or lost yardage on early downs. Sayin’s decision-making and ability to remain composed under pressure will be critical to keeping the offense on schedule.

2. Stop Indiana’s running game

Ohio State must limit Indiana’s ability to establish the run and dictate the terms of the game. The Hoosiers’ rushing attack creates favorable situations for Hoover, allowing Indiana to incorporate run-pass options and short throws. If the Buckeyes struggle to contain the running game, Indiana can keep the defense guessing and create opportunities for Becker and Marsh.

Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. give Indiana backfield options, and Ohio State must win its assignments at the point of attack to keep them from generating consistent yardage.

Stopping the run would force Hoover into tougher passing situations, increasing the chances that Ohio State’s pass rush and secondary can make game-changing plays. The Buckeyes need to establish control early and keep Indiana from dictating the pace with a balanced offense.

3. Win the battle in the trenches

The line-of-scrimmage battle is the defining matchup for Ohio State. The Buckeyes struggled to protect Sayin in last season’s championship game, and the offensive line has continued to work through personnel changes. Indiana will attempt to exploit those issues with an aggressive defensive front, while Ohio State’s defense must prevent the Hoosiers from controlling the game on the ground.

The Buckeyes need their offensive line to create enough space for Jackson and the running backs to operate while keeping Sayin upright. Defensively, Ohio State must generate pressure, control running lanes, and prevent Indiana from consistently winning first down.

Neither side can afford to rely on individual talent alone. Ohio State needs disciplined blocking, sound communication, and physical play from its offensive and defensive lines. If the Buckeyes can protect Sayin and disrupt Indiana’s offensive rhythm, they’ll have a strong chance to leave Bloomington with a win.