Northwestern is a surprise leader over Ohio State at Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon.

Northwestern has moved the ball methodically but consistently so far against the Buckeyes. The Wildcats’ first drive ended in a fumble after taking nearly 7 minutes off the clock. However, after forcing an Ohio State punt, Northwestern finally found the end zone at the end of a 13-play, 92-yard drive.

Quarterback Jack Lausch put the Wildcats on top 7-0 early in the second quarter on this designed run:

Through 2 drives, Northwestern has already totaled 151 yards of offense. The Wildcats are averaging 6.3 yards per play and are also 4-of-5 on third down. It’s been a dominant display of offense so far for a Northwestern team that has struggled for much of the 2024 season.

For Ohio State, it’s a disappointing start in its final tune-up game before it enters the toughest part of its schedule. The Buckeyes will host No. 5 Indiana next weekend and then will round out the season with Michigan. If the Buckeyes win both of those games, they’ll likely face Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game the following weekend.

Northwestern’s last win over Ohio State came way back in 2004.