In what will likely be the game of the week in the world of college football, fourth-ranked Ohio State will take on fellow Big Ten foe Indiana, ranked right behind the Buckeyes at fifth. It's a rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship Game, where both teams entered undefeated. Yet, Indiana walked out with the win on its way to a first national title in school history. During his weekly press conference, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed whether or not that loss remains fuel for the Buckeyes' fire. Fox College Football shared Day's response via their X, formerly Twitter, account.
“Nothing that happened in the past has anything to do with what's going on this weekend,” Day commented during his press conference. “We can learn from the past, so some of the guys who played in that game can learn about all the reasons that we came up short. And that's fine, that's good, but the focus has to be on right now.”
While Day has said that last season's defeat isn't the source of the Buckeyes' plan, lessons learned will certainly influence how Ohio State plays in what could be a very hostile road environment in Bloomington. The Hoosiers survived against Big Ten rival Nebraska last Saturday, but they'll need to step up their game against a visiting Buckeyes squad hungry to regain the number one ranking in the polls.
An explosive offense that has had some fun tweaks added in by new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith can hang with anyone in the nation. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is one of the nation's leading Heisman Trophy contenders. Quarterback Julian Sayin's name is also in consideration. This Ohio State football core is seasoned and ready to win another national title. Can Day and his team conquer the demons of last fall and defeat Indiana on Saturday? If so, another season filled with championships could be in the Buckeyes future.