Seven Ohio State freshmen saw the field during Ohio State's 23-3 victory in Bloomington, but only two of the newcomers made their way onto the stat sheet in the season-opening contest against Indiana.
Early in the fourth quarter, Malik Hartford stopped Andison Coby for a 2-yard gain after the Indiana receiver caught a short pass. With just under two minutes to remaining in the contest, Hartford broke up a 3rd-and-14 pass intended for Dequece Carter. The play forced Tom Allen's team to punt, essentially ending the game.
Hartford was the only freshman to play on defense, lining up at free safety for 25 snaps in the second half, and was also a regular on Ohio State’s punt return team vs.