It was the darndest thing: The basketball school that ESPN’s “College GameDay” crew had bypassed eternally was beating the team that never loses on national signing day and made the College Football Playoff last season.
Not only did Indiana have more points than Ohio State, the Hoosiers were doing things to make coach Urban Meyer go blind with rage.
Indiana’s Richard Lagow completed 24 of 38 passes for 278 yards — in the first half.
But then, the inevitable came.
The Ohio State players who dropped passes stopped dropping passes.
Parris Campbell motored down the left sideline for a 74-yard touchdown. Johnnie Dixon used a block to embark on a 59-yard mad dash.
The talent gap proved too great, and Ohio State proved too resilient to be upset on this beautiful night in farm country. The second-ranked Buckeyes rode a huge second half into a 49-21 victory.
Up next is a massive showdown against Oklahoma, ranked seventh and facing UTEP on Saturday.
Questions will remain after Ohio State had such a rough go for much of the night, failing to take the lead for good until less than five minutes remained in the third quarter.
The Buckeyes allowed Indiana receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr., an Oak Park alum, to make plays all over the field. And quarterback J.T. Barrett didn’t get much help before the break.
Tailback Mike Weber couldn’t go because of a nagging hamstring injury, but he might not be needed to beat the Sooners.
J.K. Dobbins, the No. 2-ranked all-purpose back in the class of 2017, was sensational. His “welcome to college football” moment came on an insane jump cut to leave defensive back Marcelino Ball in the dust.
Dobbins finished with 181 yards yards on 29 carries.
More Top Picks Best Wood To Use For Scroll Saw Projects
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein