BLOOMINGTON, IND. – A record-breaking performance by J.K. Dobbins helped the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes shake off a sluggish start in their season opener.
The freshman running back set a school record by rushing for 181 yards in his college debut to lead a 49-21 downing of Indiana. He became the primary ball-carrier while filling in for Mike Weber, who was out with a hamstring injury.
Dobbins’ 181 yards broke the old mark of 175 yards set by Maurice Clarett in 2002. Dobbins was only the sixth true freshman to start in the first game of the season.
J.T. Barrett overcame a slow start to finish 20 of 35 for 304 yards and three touchdowns as Ohio State beat the Hoosiers for the 23rd consecutive time. Barrett added 61 yards rushing and another score to move within two touchdowns of matching Drew Brees’ Big Ten career record of 106 total TDs.
The game was tied at 21 until the Buckeyes scored the final 28 points, sparked by a 74-yard catch by Parris Campbell that put Ohio State out front, 27-21, with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter.
Indiana controlled most of the first half of Tom Allen’s home debut as coach, leading the game until Barrett’s 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.