Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game Buckeyes Wire staff predictions

OK. It’s here. It looks like the Big Ten Championship Game between Ohio State and Northwestern is going to make it off the ground and come to a television set and streaming device near you.

To say that it’s been a challenge to get to the finish line of the Big Ten football season would be an understatement. Games have been canceled left and right because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Big Ten has had to change its minimum-game policy, and even The Game between the Buckeyes and Wolverines had to be shelved.

And yet, here we are. Ohio State is going for its fourth-straight Big Ten championship and we’ve asked our writers to weigh in on predictions.

Next … Phil kicks it off

Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game Staff Predictions

Contact/Follow Phil Harrison

I want to go bigger here, but I truly believe Northwestern’s defense will be able to slow down the Buckeyes offense more than what we’ve seen with other teams. The team is disciplined, well-coached, and will have a chip on its shoulder.

Still, Ohio State has too much skill to be held down. Eventually, all that speed and athleticism is going to break the will of a Northwestern team that just doesn’t have the horses to stay with one of the most talented, future NFL-laden rosters in the country. The Buckeyes win and are off to the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State 41, Northwestern 20

Next … Mark makes his pick

Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game Staff Predictions

Contact/Follow Mark Russell

Ohio State knows what’s a stake here. A win over Northwestern and a Big Ten crown all but guarantees the Buckeyes a spot in the College Football Playoff.

However, only playing one game in the three weeks could cause the Bucks to start slowly. Could… but I don’t see that happening. The team will be focused. The Buckeyes are tired of hearing how they may not be deserving because of things that were out of their control.

Ryan Day will look to make a statement and make it emphatically. Northwestern may have a few tricks up its sleeve, but it will not be enough to matter. Ohio State rolls and gets an invite to the Playoff.

Ohio State 49, Northwestern 13

Next … Dan weighs in to close it ou

Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game Staff Predictions

Contact/Follow Dan Ruppert

For as good as the Northwestern defense has been this season, it has not faced an offense as talented as Ohio State. The Wildcats can get a little too aggressive and I think that Ryan Day and Justin Fields will be able to take advantage of this tendency. The weakness for Northwestern on defense has been against the run, and one thing we know the coaching staff has harped on is getting the running game more involved. With an extra week to prepare for the Northwestern defense, I think the Buckeyes will use the running game to open up play-action and will take over the game.

On defense, Ohio State is getting a favorable matchup as Northwestern is not a dynamic offense. Forcing Peyton Ramsey to have to throw the ball to keep pace, is a recipe for success for the Buckeyes. The defense should be able to contain the run enough to force some third and long situations, allowing the pass rush to get Ramsey, make him uncomfortable, and force his sloppy footwork to appear. This is where mistakes and miscues will allow the Buckeyes to give the ball back to their offense to pull away for a win.

Final Score: Ohio State 48, Northwestern 20

 

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