The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in October. "We want to be playing our best football (now)," Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said. "We also know what's at stake. If you don't win this game, you have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship.

The Hoosiers jumped out to an early lead when quarterback Kurtis Rouke handed the ball off to Ty Son Lawton, who scored the game's first touchdown. However, this lead was short-lived, as the Buckeyes' defense quickly took control.