Hoosiers State of Mind talks Indiana versus Ohio State with Josh Keatley of Buckeyes Wire

I sat down with Buckeyes Wire writer and Ohio State of Mind podcast co-host Joshua Keatley to discuss the biggest game of the week, as Ohio State host Indiana on Saturday.

Don James: What do you make of Seth McLaughlin being out for the season before the Buckeyes take on the Hoosiers?

Josh Keatley: Losing Seth McLaughlin is major. The dude has been the second best offensive lineman on the roster after Donovan Jackson. I am unsure as to what the plan is for Saturday, this is the third injury for the offensive line with both Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski out. My guess is Carson Hinzman, who was the starter at center all of last season moves back and Austin Siereveld gets the nod at guard.

Don James: Who are the key players for Ohio State on Saturday, when they face Indiana?

Josh Keatley: J.T. Tuimoloau has not had that jaw-dropping game yet and this is a guy with first round potential. He typically shows up when the lights are brightest, so I expect him to step up on Saturday. Denzel Burke and these defensive backs are going to have arguably their toughest task yet as these Indiana receivers can scoot, but I have a ton of faith he can play the role of lockdown corner this week. Donovan Jackson is the third guy I want to mention, he has been playing at a high level at left tackle since the Simmons injury and we need him to continue that.

Sep 17, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) celebrates a tackle during the first half of the NCAA Division I football game against the Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Ncaa Football Toledo Rockets At Ohio State Buckeyes | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Don James: Do you believe that Indiana have enough at the skill positions to keep up with Ohio State?

Josh Keatley: I think the Hoosiers have more than enough at the skill positions, the difference is going to be in the trenches where I believe Ohio State can out-muscle them.

Don James: Who are your top 12 teams in the country regardless of conference?

Josh Keatley: 1. Oregon, 2. Texas, 3. Ohio State, 4. Penn State, 5. Indiana, 6. Notre Dame, 7. Miami, 8. Alabama, 9. Ole Miss, 10. Georgia, 11. BYU, 12. Boise State

Josh Keatley is a Columbus (Ohio) native who covers college and professional football. He is a former Valparaiso running back and Ohio State University alum. He is a contributor to Buckeyes Wire and the USA Today Sports Media Group.