Records
Ohio State (6-0), Northwestern (1-4)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Friday, October 18
Game Time: 8:30 ET
Network: FS1
Venue: Ryan Field – Capacity – 47,130
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 62-14-1
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Northwestern 45-24 in 2018 (Big Ten Championship Game)
We’re halfway through the regular season and so far, Ohio State has looked every bit the part of playoff contender.
Northwestern lies in wait for a quirky Friday night game in Evanston. After reaching the Big Ten Championship game last year, the Wildcats have been somewhat disappointing in the 2019 season.
However, as Georgia so eloquently showed us this past Saturday, anyone can be beaten on any given day. This one should be a cakewalk, but the Bucks can’t get caught looking ahead to a potential undefeated showdown with Wisconsin.
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
In a rematch from last year’s Big Ten Championship game, both teams look very different, going in opposite directions.
Ohio State has improved in just about every aspect of the game while Northwestern has been less than impressive. Nonetheless, this one has an odd feel being played on a Friday night.
Ohio State has superior athletes at every position. While you’ll find the names of Buckeyes in nearly every top ten offensive and defensive stat lines, you have to scroll quite far before you find a Wildcat player.
The Bucks should have their way with an overmatched Northwestern squad. This is a game to work out some kinks (although there hasn’t been many) and to get some backups a little playing time and experience.
Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 1 p.m. ET.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Master Teague III, Running Back. We love the name, but we love the player we’re seeing more and more of each week. JK Dobbins is the unquestioned leader in the backfield, but it’s nice to see OSU not missing a beat when Teague enters the game. He should see a good deal of work on Friday night with the game well in hand.
Jashon Cornell, Defensive Tackle. Jashon Cornell has been a beast in the trenches this season. The numbers aren’t all that gaudy, but make no mistake, Cornell is clogging things up on the inside. He’s racked up 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble to go along with 10 solo tackles. Cornell should be just as disruptive against Northwestern.
Next … How it’ll all do down
The prediction
As long as Ohio State is focused on the Wildcats and not the Badgers, this one should be over early. Northwestern ranks ahead of only Rutgers in total offense and in the lower half of the Big Ten defensively.
The Buckeyes should score at will and make life pretty difficult on the Wildcat offense.
Night games on the road always make me a little nervous. Night games on the road and on a Friday night? Well, that just adds to the anxiety. But I just don’t believe the Wildcats have the firepower to keep this one competitive.
Final Score
Ohio State 54, Northwestern 10
Line
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Ohio State – 27.5
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