Ohio State · Week 8 · 2026 · Big Ten
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The Saturday readOhio State · Week 8 · 2026
Ohio State at USC
Oct 31 · TBD · TV to be announced
Los Angeles, Calif.
The lineProtect the next possession.
Kickoff clock
TBD
01 / The plan
What matters Saturday
- 01
Quarterback outlook
An estimate is not a return date
- 02
Run defense
Keep the first gap closed
- 03
Takeaway response
Turn the stop into a drive
02 / Desk read
The read
Keep the defensive gain attached to a useful offensive series. The quarterback plan needs confirmed reporting; the football correction starts with protection, the first available throw and a secure finish.
Quarterback outlook
In the field
AP Top 25 · Week 9
No. 2
4 of 12 opponents ranked.
Upcoming1
- 20vs NorthwesternNov 14
Played · AP at kickoff3
Upcoming opponents use this AP poll. Played opponents use their AP rank at kickoff. Poll published Oct 25. Checked Oct 26. Results checked Oct 19.
Postseason
Rankings start Nov 3
6-1
Playoff raceNo. 2 in the AP poll, one loss. In the picture. The committee's first rankings come out Tue, Nov 3.
Bowl eligible with six counted wins.
This week
Updated Oct 21
Day says Sayin is out indefinitely. Fahey and St. Clair will compete during the bye week, with the starter decision due next week.
- 01
Day says Sayin is out indefinitelyOpens in a new tab
Fahey and St. Clair will compete during the bye week. Day said he will choose the starter next week; keep that competition separate from the earlier depth chart.
Eleven Warriors · Oct 20
- 02
Indiana managed 73 rushing yards against Ohio StateOpens in a new tab
The Hoosiers averaged 2.5 yards on 29 carries. Watch the first gap and the pursuit behind it; sound run defense can make the passing downs less forgiving.
The Daily Hoosier · Oct 17
- 03
Ohio State wins 19-15 at IndianaOpens in a new tab
The Buckeyes forced two fumbles and won on the road. Watch the possession after a takeaway: the defense can create the opportunity, but the offense still has to finish it.
Ohio State Athletics · Oct 17
- 04
Day calls out eight penalties and the turnoversOpens in a new tab
The win included a lost fumble and a pick-six. Day’s postgame message puts the cleanup on coaching as well as players; watch the protection assignment and the decision before chasing another big play.
Eleven Warriors · Oct 10
- 05
Indiana escapes Nebraska on Marsh’s touchdown catchesOpens in a new tab
Marsh caught 75- and 44-yard touchdowns in Indiana’s Nebraska win. That earlier film remains a reminder to carry crossing routes through the coverage handoff, rather than treating the run look as the whole play.
Indiana Daily Student · Oct 10
03 / Road ahead
Next three
at USC · Next
TBDTV TBD
vs Oregon
TBDTV TBD
vs Northwestern
TBDTV TBD