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Buckeyes Stumble in Red Zone, Lose Big Ten Title
7 Dec
Summary
- Ohio State failed to score on two crucial red zone trips in the second half.
- A crucial fourth-down sneak by Julian Sayin was overturned by replay review.
- Kicker Jayden Fielding missed a short 27-yard field goal attempt late in the game.
Ohio State's pursuit of a Big Ten championship and a perfect season was dashed in a stunning 13-10 defeat to Indiana. The Buckeyes' offense faltered in crucial moments, twice failing to convert inside the Indiana 10-yard line during the second half. These red zone struggles ultimately defined the outcome of the tightly contested championship game.
The Buckeyes' most significant setback occurred late in the third quarter when quarterback Julian Sayin's fourth-down sneak from the 5-yard line was controversially overturned upon review, negating a potential go-ahead score. Later, with the game on the line, a 27-yard field goal attempt by kicker Jayden Fielding sailed wide left, a rare miss for the typically reliable kicker.
Coach Ryan Day acknowledged the critical nature of these missed opportunities, stating the team must learn from such decisive plays. The inability to capitalize in scoring position against Indiana's stout red zone defense, coupled with the missed kick, proved insurmountable, leaving Ohio State to reflect on what might have been.
