If you’re searching for Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats, you want the real numbers — not just the final score. Below is a complete statistical breakdown of the two teams’ most recent meeting, plus the historical context that makes this Big Ten rivalry one of the most talked-about in college football.
This matchup carries extra weight because it snapped one of the longest winning streaks in FBS history. Understanding the player stats from this game tells you exactly how it happened.
Quick Game Summary
Indiana beat Ohio State 13-10 in a game played in Indianapolis, broadcast on FOX. The win was historic — it ended Ohio State’s dominant run in the series and shifted the balance of power in this Big Ten rivalry, at least for one afternoon.
Here’s the box score at a glance:
| Stat | Indiana | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 13 | 10 |
| Total Yards | 340 | 322 |
| Passing Yards | 222 | 258 |
| Rushing Yards | 69 | 83 |
| 1st Downs | 17 | 17 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 6/13 | 4/12 |
| Time of Possession | 29:47 | 30:13 |
This game came down to efficiency, not raw yardage — Ohio State actually out-gained Indiana in a few categories, but Indiana’s defense and red-zone execution made the difference.
Indiana Hoosiers Football Player Stats
Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza
Fernando Mendoza ran Indiana’s offense with poise under pressure. His final line:
- 15 of 23 passing (65% completion rate)
- 222 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
Mendoza didn’t need huge volume — he took care of the ball and made the throws Indiana needed on money downs, which is a big reason the Hoosiers converted 6 of 13 third-down attempts.
Running Back: K. Black
Indiana’s rushing attack leaned on K. Black, who carried the ball 16 times for 69 yards. That’s roughly 4.3 yards per carry — solid enough to keep Ohio State’s defense honest and control tempo in a low-scoring, physical game.
Wide Receiver: C. Becker
Charlie Becker was Mendoza’s top target, hauling in 6 receptions for 126 yards — an average of 21 yards per catch. That kind of explosive receiving performance is exactly what analysts look for when breaking down Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats, since a single big-play receiver can flip field position on its own.
Defense: I. Jones and R. Hardy
- I. Jones (LB) — 2 sacks, a major factor in disrupting Ohio State’s rhythm
- R. Hardy (LB) — 10 tackles (6 solo), leading Indiana’s front seven
Indiana’s defense forced the tempo Ohio State didn’t want, limiting the Buckeyes to just 10 points despite 322 total yards.
Ohio State Buckeyes Football Player Stats
Quarterback: Julian Sayin
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin actually out-threw Mendoza statistically:
- 21 of 29 passing (72% completion rate)
- 258 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
Sayin’s efficiency shows Ohio State’s passing game was working — the issue was finishing drives, not moving the ball.
Running Back: B. Jackson
Bo Jackson led Ohio State’s ground game with 17 carries for 83 yards, averaging about 4.9 yards per attempt. He was the most productive rusher on the field statistically, even in a losing effort.
Wide Receiver: J. Smith
Jeremiah Smith had the best receiving day of anyone on the field: 8 receptions for 144 yards. That’s an 18-yard average per catch, and it made him the single most productive offensive weapon in the game.
Defense: S. Styles and C. Curry
- S. Styles (LB) — 12 tackles (7 solo), the game’s leading tackler
- C. Curry (DE) — 2 sacks, matching Indiana’s pass-rush production
Why the Turnover and Third-Down Battles Decided the Game
When you compare Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats side by side, two categories stand out as the real difference-makers:
- Third-down efficiency — Indiana converted 46% of third downs (6/13) compared to Ohio State’s 33% (4/12). That gap kept Indiana’s offense on the field longer and Ohio State’s off it.
- Red-zone execution — Both teams moved the ball well (340 vs. 322 total yards), but Indiana turned its opportunities into more points per drive.
Turnovers were even at 1-1, so this wasn’t a game decided by giveaways. It was decided by which offense did more with its chances — and Indiana’s did.
Historical Series Context
This result matters even more when you look at the bigger picture. Ohio State has historically dominated this series, holding an all-time record advantage of roughly 80 wins to Indiana’s 13, with 5 ties. Before this recent meeting, Ohio State had reeled off a long, largely uninterrupted streak of wins over Indiana dating back to the early 1990s.
That’s what makes the latest Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats so significant — a single game where Mendoza, Becker, and Indiana’s defense outperformed a Buckeyes roster that has produced elite NFL talent for years.
Key Takeaways From the Player Stats
- Fernando Mendoza (IND) was efficient over flashy: 15/23, 222 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Julian Sayin (OSU) actually posted better raw passing numbers: 21/29, 258 yards
- Jeremiah Smith (OSU) was the most explosive receiver on the field with 144 yards
- Charlie Becker (IND) matched him in explosiveness with 126 yards on just 6 catches
- Indiana’s third-down defense and offense were the deciding factors, not turnovers or total yardage
- Linebackers Rolijah Hardy (IND) and Sonny Styles (OSU) both led their teams in tackles, showing how physical this game was in the trenches
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Indiana vs Ohio State football game? Indiana won 13-10, ending a long stretch of Ohio State dominance in the series.
Who was the leading passer in the Indiana vs Ohio State game? Ohio State’s Julian Sayin led all passers with 258 yards on 21-of-29 passing. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza threw for 222 yards on 15-of-23 passing.
Who had the most receiving yards in the Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes matchup? Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith led all receivers with 144 yards on 8 catches. Indiana’s Charlie Becker was close behind with 126 yards on 6 catches.
Why did Indiana beat Ohio State despite fewer passing yards? Indiana won the third-down battle (6/13 vs. 4/12) and converted its scoring chances more efficiently, even though Ohio State posted slightly more total yards.
What is the all-time series record between Indiana and Ohio State? Ohio State holds a significant historical edge in the all-time series, though Indiana’s recent win marked a rare and notable result in the rivalry’s history.
Final Thoughts
The Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats from this game tell a story of efficiency beating raw production. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith put up the bigger individual numbers, but Indiana’s balanced attack — led by Fernando Mendoza, Charlie Becker, and a disruptive defensive front — found a way to win where it counted most: on third down and in the red zone.
Want more breakdowns like this? Bookmark this page and check back after every Indiana-Ohio State matchup for updated player stats, box scores, and analysis.
Also read Ohio State Buckeyes vs Texas Longhorns Football Match Player Stats: The Complete Breakdown