Nick Saban breaks down keys to Indiana vs. Ohio State

Ahead of an unexpected top-five matchup on Saturday, Nick Saban shared his thoughts for No. 5 Indiana vs. No. 2 Ohio State.

Saban gave out some keys between the Hoosiers and Buckeyes while on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Friday in The Shoe. He thinks, firstly, both teams will have to adjust to one another as it’s a moment that Indiana hasn’t maybe ever been in as a program while Ohio State is used to playing other teams in spots like this.

“Well, I think Indiana does have a really good team. Probably a better team than what people think because you always think of the brand,” said Saban. “Like, you always think Ohio State-Michigan. You don’t really think Ohio State–Indiana.

“That’ll be something that the Ohio State players have to really comprehend from a psychological standpoint that these guys are a pretty good team,” Saban said.

As far as the game, though, Saban thinks Indiana can find an advantage with their defensive line. That’s because they’ll be against an offensive line that has been reshuffled again for Ohio State following a big injury this week.

“I think Indiana’s defensive line is better than people give them credit for,” said Saban. “With the recent injuries on the offensive line for Ohio State, that’ll be maybe something to watch.”

However, Saban also knows that the Buckeyes will have a major edge in skill talent. They’ll have top-notch weapons that the Hoosiers, although a top 10 scoring defense to this point, will not have had to guard before.

“I also think that the skill guys that Ohio State has – the running backs, the wide receivers – are going to be really, really hard for Indiana to match up with,” Saban said.

This is a game that’ll have a huge impact not only on who the second team will be to make the Big Ten Championship but also on the College Football Playoff. With that, Saban will be noting these aspects of the game, specifically with the Hoosiers’ defense, as to who will win tomorrow afternoon in Columbus.