College Football: Five teams on upset alert in Week 5
Sep 26, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) scrambles against Western Michigan during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads the game 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State Buckeyes at Indiana Hoosiers
- Point Spread: Ohio State -17.5
Besides the beating they put on Virginia Tech in Blacksburg back on Labor Day in their opener, Ohio State hasn’t been all that impressive. The Buckeyes certainly don’t look like the championship team from last season. Turnovers have been a problem early on this season for Urban Meyer’s football team, but they remain perfect due to subpar competition.
Normally a date with Indiana would pose zero threat to Buckeye fans, but the Hoosiers are 4-0 going into this game. It’s their best start since 1990 and they do have some talented players that are capable of playing on Sundays. UAB transfer Jordan Howard leads the nation with 675 yards rushing including 4 touchdowns.
Ohio State is still waiting for quarterback Cardale Jones to separate himself from J.T.Barrett, but Indiana has an experienced gunslinger of their own in the form of senior Nate Sudfeld. Sudfeld has thrown for a combined 1,143 yards in his first four games with seven touchdowns and only one interception. Combine this with Howard’s ground game and Indiana has a formidable offense.
The defense, however, will be tested. Containing Ezekiel Elliott will be key for the Hoosiers to pull off this upset at home in front of a sold out Memorial Stadium. Unfortunately, they will be without the services of defensive tackle Darius Latham who was suspended from the team indefinitely.
This will be the first conference game for each team. So far, the Big Ten dominates the Top 25 with Ohio State at number 1 and Michigan State at number 2. Northwestern and Wisconsin are also ranked, but it’s hard to tell whether Indiana is deserving of this early praise. Like many others, Indiana controls their own destiny and a win over the defending national champions brings instant credibility.
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