We’ve got #2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State predictions for the Big Ten Championship! Indiana’s transformative journey under Curt Cignetti has evolved them from a feisty underdog to a genuine national contender, equipped with one of the most effective passing offenses in the country and a defense that ranks in the top 10 across all significant metrics.

On the other hand, Ohio State presents a different story altogether. The Buckeyes arrive in Indianapolis looking every bit like a team poised to defend their title as national champions. They’ve cruised through a schedule that, while not top-tier, has highlighted the considerable talent disparity between the Buckeyes and the rest of the field.

Their decisive victory over Michigan finally lifted the burden of a four-year losing streak — and once that weight was gone, their potential seemed to soar even higher. 

#2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State Predictions for the Big Ten Championship, Saturday, 12/6

Both teams have already clinched their playoff byes. Both remain undefeated. Both boast elite quarterbacks. However, only one has been performing like an unstoppable force, which is where our #2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State picks will lie.

Ohio State has dominated college football for three consecutive months. Unlike other top teams that have faltered or shown weaknesses against lesser opponents, the Buckeyes have maintained a relentless consistency. They boast sixteen consecutive victories, with fourteen of those wins covering the spread.

Their defense is the best in the sport based on yards allowed per play. Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin improves week by week, while a revitalized running game, powered by Bo Jackson, adds to their strength. Additionally, their receiving corps is unmatched by any defensive backfield.

 

 

 

#2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State Spread Pick: Buckeyes -4 (-120 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Indiana has impressive metrics and rightfully holds the No. 2 spot. However, their offense has yet to encounter the caliber of defensive talent that Ohio State possesses. Fernando Mendoza has performed like a Heisman contender, but even his standout moments have relied on extraordinary plays — such as his miraculous fourth-down completion against Penn State. 

In games against Oregon and PSU, Indiana’s running game struggled, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry compared to 5.7 against other teams. The increase in competition is significant.

On the other hand, Ohio State is the only team in the nation that forces both your offense and defense out of their comfort zones. Allowing just 3.77 yards per play is remarkable. Their EPA/play margin ranks first in the country, with Indiana close behind but still facing a substantial gap. If the Hoosiers had difficulty blocking Penn State and Oregon, Ohio State’s defensive front poses an even greater challenge.

Indiana’s offensive strategy aims to mitigate pressure through quick dropbacks and timing routes, and their statistics reflect this: they rank seventh nationally in quick-game yards per attempt and are in the top 15 for pressure prevention. However, the issue lies in this: the further they attempt to push the ball downfield, the more the matchup heavily favors the Buckeyes.

The challenge for Indiana is that they cannot rely solely on quick throws to win this game. Ohio State’s cornerbacks can effectively cover short routes, and with their speed at safety, passes to the flat become low-percentage opportunities.

To achieve an upset, Mendoza needs to connect on explosive downfield throws — but that necessitates time, and OSU’s pass rush is significantly more effective than Indiana’s protection stats indicate, especially when the Hoosiers are forced into longer-developing plays.

Plus, Indiana’s pass defense has shown weaknesses against throws of 15+ yards downfield, allowing a 45% completion rate on such attempts — ranking in the bottom-30 nationally. This presents a troubling matchup against Sayin, who leads the nation with a 63% completion rate at that distance.

And if Indiana opts to drop eight into coverage? Bo Jackson has emerged as a genuine downhill threat, surpassing 100 yards in four of his last five games. OSU is simply too well-rounded, too physical, too explosive, and too seasoned, which is why our #2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State predictions will side with the Buckeyes.

 

 

 

How To Watch #2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State - Big Ten Championship

  • Date: Saturday, December 6
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

#2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

We’ve just published our #2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State predictions. Now, let's examine the most recent #2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State odds for this matchup from DraftKings Sportsbook:

  • Money Line (ML): Hoosiers -390 | Buckeyes +310
  • Spread: Hoosiers -10.5 (-104) | Buckeyes +10.5 (-118)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

 

 

 

#2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State Injury Report & Latest News

Indiana Injury Report

  • D. Evans (OG) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • E. Williams Jr. (WR) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • B. Franke (K) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • K. Wyatt (DL) – Out, Undisclosed
  • B. Bonds (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
  • L. Beebe Jr. (RB) – Out, Leg
  • T. Morris (WR) – Out, Knee

Ohio State Injury Report

  • M. Roy (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • A. Tounkara (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • L. George (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • M. Maggs (QB) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • Q. Porter (WR) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • M. Hartford (S) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • D. Jones (WR) – Questionable, Undisclosed

 

 

 

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