Indiana made an announcement on its opening sequence towards Ohio State.
The Hoosiers jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a landing by operating again Ty Son Lawton to cap an 11-play, 70-yard drive.
Indiana acquired the ball after forcing an Ohio State three-and-out on the sport’s opening possession.
The Hoosiers doubtless want a powerful efficiency towards the Buckeyes to clinch a spot within the 12-team School Soccer Playoff. Thus far, so good.
Indiana’s energy of schedule by Week 12 ranked 106th within the nation, per ESPN’s Football Power Index.
A blowout loss to School Soccer Playoff No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1 in Massive Ten) would put a major dent in its case of being thought of one of many nation’s 12 finest groups.
As a substitute, Lawton’s landing gave the Hoosiers their first lead towards the Buckeyes since 2018, when it briefly led 17-14 within the second quarter of a 49-26 loss.
Lawton is one in every of a number of gamers who adopted Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison.
He entered Week 13 with 106 carries, 508 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Indiana’s leaders in receiving yards, Elijah Sarratt, and sacks, Mikail Kamara, are among the many different former Dukes who’ve made substantial impacts.
It underscores how spectacular Cignetti has been. Not solely has he led Indiana to its finest season in program historical past in his first season, however he is finished so with a roster of a number of former Group of 5 gamers missed by main conferences.
After one quarter, No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 in Massive Ten) leads Ohio State 7-0.