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Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

Big Ten’s Worst Versus Best

The Northwestern Wildcats hope to rally behind a home crowd when the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes visit on Saturday afternoon. Northwestern is the worst team in the Big Ten and comes off a 33-13 loss against Iowa. The Wildcats (1-7, 1-4) have struggled in almost every department, making them massive underdogs. Ohio State (8-0, 5-0) is a national title contender and will look for style points against Northwestern. The Wildcats need a monumental effort to pull off an upset.

Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports and college football lines for Ohio State vs Northwestern. We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.

C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes | Scott taetsch/getty images/afp

Ohio State Perfecting Its Craft

Northwestern is an easy opponent to overlook. However, Ohio State will be focused as it needs to address several concerns, including an inconsistent offense and a suspect passing defense. The Buckeyes will look to take advantage of every opportunity to improve as their showdown on Nov. 26 against No. 5 Michigan approaches.

Against No. 15 Penn State, Ohio State’s offense got off to a slow start. The run game continues to be a problem as it averaged 3.8 yards per carry. The passing attack rolled against one of the country’s most talented secondaries. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is separating himself as the country’s top wideout after posting 185 receiving yards. OSU certainly needs his production since Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still dealing with his nagging hamstring injury.

The Buckeyes’ defense had another encouraging performance. The unit forced four turnovers, which makes 10 over the last two games. Ohio State could have its next dominant defensive end. J.T. Tuimoloau had an otherworldly performance with six tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and one touchdown.

Northwestern Hoping for a Miracle

There is no nice way to say it. Northwestern is vastly overmatched against No. 2 Ohio State. The Wildcats have been one of the country’s worst Power Five teams, ranking 120th in points per game and 94th in yards allowed per game.

Against Iowa, which has one of college football’s worst offenses, Northwestern could not stop anything. The Hawkeyes totaled 220 passing yards and 178 rushing yards. The secondary allowed several big plays against a team that ranks 118th in yards per pass attempt. The Wildcats’ defensive line was manhandled as Iowa averaged 5.1 yards per carry and rarely allowed pressure in pass protection.

On offense, Northwestern is just as bad. The run game averaged 0.5 yards per carry on 37 attempts against Iowa. Quarterback play has been an issue too. Brendan Sullivan was named the new starter ahead of Week 8 against Maryland. Sullivan has not been enough to fix this dysfunctional unit.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Game Injuries

Ohio State vs Northwestern Head-to-Head

Northwestern has beaten Ohio State once since 1972, and that was in 2004. The Buckeyes have won nine consecutive meetings, including two Big Ten championship games in 2018 and 2020.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Game Information

  • Game: Ohio State vs Northwestern
  • Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, Ill.
  • Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 5, Noon ET
  • Ohio State vs Northwestern Live Stream: ESPN

Ohio State vs Northwestern Betting Lines

Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction

The Buckeyes will dominate in every way on Saturday. The talent deficit is a big enough problem. Outside of left tackle Peter Skoronski, Northwestern’s offensive line has struggled and the defensive line has played poorly. Ohio State features one of America’s best offensive lines and the defensive line is finding its groove. The Wildcats will not find success when overwhelmed in the trenches.

Furthermore, Northwestern allowed big plays against Iowa, which has the Big Ten’s worst offense. Ohio State’s explosive offense will feast against the Wildcats. The Buckeyes will take care of business with a road win and cover.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Edge

Ohio State vs Northwestern Results

Ohio State vs Northwestern Game Summary

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