One Foot Away: Indiana’s 22-Game Winning Streak Ends in 19–15 Loss to Ohio State

By Coach Griff | HoosierTailgate.com | October 17, 2026

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Twenty-two consecutive victories. A remarkable run that helped transform Indiana football into one of the nation’s premier programs. On Saturday, that streak ended by the narrowest of margins as No. 4 Ohio State defeated No. 5 Indiana 19–15.

On Indiana’s final offensive play, Josh Hoover appeared to connect with a wide-open Nick Marsh for a game-winning touchdown. Ohio State brought an aggressive blitz, Marsh beat his cornerback down the left sideline, and Hoover found him. But Marsh couldn’t get a foot down inbounds. The apparent touchdown was ruled incomplete.

That play will be remembered, but this game wasn’t lost on one play. Indiana had too many opportunities throughout the afternoon that it simply failed to capitalize on.

First-Half Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

One of the game’s biggest turning points came in the first half when Hoover failed to see wide-open tight end Brock Schott on a corner route, instead throwing an incomplete pass toward Turbo Richard over the middle. On the next play, kicker Nico Radicic missed a short field goal off the left upright. The game statistics list the miss at 32 yards.

Ohio State then marched down the field on a 15-play drive. On fourth down, the Buckeyes spread the formation and aligned Jeremiah Smith wide to the left as a decoy, allowing running back Bo Jackson to slip into the flat for a touchdown reception. Ohio State took a 10–7 halftime lead. Indiana had missed a chance to score and then watched the Buckeyes answer with seven points — a potentially enormous swing in a game decided by four.

Indiana’s Defense Answers a Costly Fumble

The Hoosiers opened the second half with the football, but Devon Chandler fumbled after making a catch, giving Ohio State excellent field position. Indiana’s defense stood tall and held the Buckeyes to a field goal, limiting the damage as Ohio State extended its lead to 13–7.

The defense continued giving the offense chances to win. Indiana finished with four sacks, six tackles for loss and two interceptions, both by Amare Ferrell. Ohio State managed 313 total yards, including just 78 rushing yards. Trey Onsannmi and Mario Landino each recorded two sacks.

A Fourth-Down Decision Worth Questioning

Another critical decision came with Indiana facing fourth down near Ohio State’s 43-yard line. With Hoover apparently dealing with a shoulder issue, Curt Cignetti chose a long field-goal attempt rather than punting and asking the defense to protect field position. Radicic’s kick came up well short. The statistical sheet lists the long miss at 55 yards.

Given how well Indiana’s defense was playing, the choice to attempt a low-percentage kick rather than pin Ohio State deep deserves scrutiny. In close games, the hidden-yardage battle can be decisive.

Jeremiah Smith Delivers on Fourth Down

In the fourth quarter, Ohio State faced fourth-and-one and kept its offense on the field. Under pressure, Julian Sayin threw toward the end zone, where two Indiana defenders surrounded Jeremiah Smith. The slightly underthrown ball gave Smith a chance to adjust and make an outstanding touchdown catch. The two-point attempt failed, leaving Ohio State ahead 19–7.

Indiana’s defenders were in position, but Smith made the play. Elite receivers sometimes do exactly that.

Hoover and Marsh Bring Indiana Back

The Hoosiers responded with a 75-yard scoring drive. Hoover found Marsh for a 19-yard touchdown, and Indiana converted the two-point attempt to cut Ohio State’s lead to 19–15. The offense gave itself a final chance, leading to the dramatic incompletion on the game’s last offensive play.

The Running Game Is Becoming a Serious Concern

Indiana gained only 73 rushing yards on 29 attempts, an average of 2.5 yards per carry. Turbo Richard carried 16 times for 46 yards, while Lee Beebe Jr. added 24 yards on nine carries. For the second straight week, the Hoosiers struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack.

The concern is bigger than one afternoon against a talented Ohio State defensive front. Indiana has leaned heavily on interior concepts such as inside zone and duo, without consistently making opponents defend the perimeter. Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan needs to examine formation variation, motion and outside-running concepts that can open space inside.

Hoover finished 20-of-40 for 296 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Charlie Becker delivered nine catches for 165 yards. But the Hoosiers cannot continue asking their quarterback and receivers to carry nearly the entire offensive load.

Michigan is next, and another formidable defense awaits. Indiana needs answers in the running game quickly.

Ohio State’s Victory Comes With Concern About Sayin

Ohio State also left Bloomington with a major question. Sayin departed following a fourth-quarter hit, forcing the Buckeyes to finish with a true freshman quarterback. Ryan Day reportedly indicated Sayin could miss several weeks, although the severity and recovery timeline have not been confirmed. Ohio State has a bye before its next game, but still faces Oregon, USC and Michigan.

Coach Griff’s Final Word: The Streak Ends, but the Goals Remain

Twenty-two straight wins is an extraordinary accomplishment, and this loss doesn’t diminish what Curt Cignetti has built. But there are no moral victories at this level. Indiana’s defense played well enough to win, generated two turnovers and kept Ohio State to 19 points. The offense moved the ball for 369 total yards but missed too many chances to finish drives and score.

Missed throws, missed field goals, a costly fumble, questionable decisions and an inconsistent rushing game all contributed. And yes, there was that final play — one foot away from a game-winning touchdown.

As I wrote before kickoff, this was still just one game. A win would have moved Indiana closer to its championship goals. A loss doesn’t eliminate them. But Indiana must learn from it, particularly on the ground and in finishing scoring opportunities against elite opponents.

The streak is over. The season isn’t.

Fast. Physical. Relentless.