ESPN’s FPI predicts the outcome of Ohio State-Northwestern in Week 12
ESPN’s FPI is back with more predictions for the week ahead in Week 12.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to build off their most complete performance on the season as they hit the road to take on the Northwestern Wildcats.
The Buckeyes were in complete control at Purdue, as they won 45-0. Both sides of the ball were absolutely dominant. Quarterback Will Howard was 21-of-26 for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns, while the defense allowed only 206 total yards of offense.
The Wildcats were off last week, and they picked up a 26-20 overtime victory against Purdue 2 weeks ago.
Ohio State is in control of its own destiny when it comes to playing in the B1G Championship as well as the College Football Playoff. ESPN’s FPI is giving the Buckeyes just over a 95% chance to win this game, leaving the Wildcats as home underdogs with only a 4.6% of winning this game.
The B1G rivals will collide in a 12 p.m. ET kickoff from Wrigley Field with the game aired on the Big Ten Network.
Howard has been everything the Buckeyes had hoped for when he transferred from K-State. He has thrown for 2,237 yards, 22 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Ohio State may possess the best receiving duo in the country in Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.
Smith has provided more big plays with 47 catches for 765 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Egbuka is right behind him with 45 catches, 587 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Northwestern may not be playing for CFP or B1G Championship aspirations, but the Wildcats still have a chance to make a bowl game. If the Wildcats lose this game, they will have to beat Michigan and Illinois to end the season.