Ohio State Football: 3 things to watch against Indiana

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after making a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

3. Momentum entering OU game

Ohio State faces a Playoff contender in Week 2. Oklahoma gets UTEP in Week 1. Ohio State and OU dial it up the following week. The winner could put themselves in the early driver’s seat to the College Football Playoff. The Sooners have revenge on their mind after a 21-point defeat last year.

Barrett faces a Heisman contender in Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Sooners have questions at running back. Ohio State has the edge there. Both teams have questions at receiver. OU loses superstar Dede Westbrook. Ohio State loses Curtis Samuel and Noah Brown.

The Buckeyes rely on their dominant front seven. Oklahoma’s running game needs to find its way. Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine are gone. Stopping Indiana builds momentum to stop OU. Ohio State did not have a problem last year.

Next: 2017 Ohio State game-by-game predictions

Losing to OU puts OSU in a tough spot. They’d have to go through Big Ten play undefeated. This is a non-conference chance that few teams get. They’d best take care of business while they can.

Home/Ohio State Buckeyes