Top 5 matchups for Week 13 of the 2024 college football season
1. No. 5 Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State – Saturday, Noon ET, FOX
Indiana and Ohio State have been playing since 1901, but Saturday鈥檚 game could arguably be the biggest matchup of the series. The Hoosiers and Buckeyes have faced off 96 times with Ohio State holding an impressive 79-12-5 series record. Ohio State is on a 30-game winning streak against Indiana as the Hoosiers last won in 1988 in Bloomington.
Most of the matchups between these programs over the last few decades haven鈥檛 been close, but that could change Saturday, even with Ohio State around two-touchdown favorites. A win for Indiana would not only be a statement victory in what has been a brilliant season in year one under Curt Cignetti, but would also potentially lock up a playoff berth and a trip to the Big Ten championship game. The 10-0 Hoosiers have had a relatively soft schedule but have dominated opponents with the 15th-ranked offense in the country. They also have the No. 2 scoring offense at nearly 44 points per game behind standout transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke.
Rourke and the Hoosiers struggled against Michigan though and will now face the No. 2-ranked defense in the country that allows just 250 yards per game. The Buckeyes have immense talent on that side of the ball led by defensive end Jack Sawyer and safeties Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles. The defense struggled in Ohio State鈥檚 lone loss to Oregon but has allowed just seven points combined the past two weeks, while the Buckeyes鈥� 17th-ranked offense continues to roll behind Will Howard and Quinshon Judkins. A win on Saturday and against rival Michigan next week will put Ohio State in position to compete for another Big Ten title and reach the playoff.
