Ohio State vs. Northwestern: Prediction and preview

Ohio State vs. Northwestern comes to the Week 10 schedule with the Buckeyes looking to remain undefeated after an 8-0 start to the season. That matchup is set for a 12 p.m. Eastern time kickoff on Saturday.

Ohio State vs. Northwestern Preview

While most college football fans love the potential for a major upset, this weekend’s crossover game between the Buckeyes and the Wildcats is likely going to be a blip on the radar for the 2022 college football season. The two sides have not met since the 2020 B1G Championship Game, a spirited effort by Northwestern that eventually ended in a 22-10 win by Ohio State.

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This time around, do not expect Ohio State to need a record-breaking day from Trey Sermon in order to finish off the Wildcats. However, the potential for some Buckeye records remains a real possibility in the matchup with Northwestern.

Simply put, the Wildcats are one of the worst teams in college football on both sides of the ball. At 1-7 on the year, Northwestern is 120th in the nation in points scored per game and 85th in points allowed per game with losses to Miami (OH) and FCS program Southern Illinois.

If fans are looking for an impact performer on offense, there’s only one for Northwestern in star running back Evan Hull. Unfortunately, it’s a one-dimensional attack with new QB Brendan Sullivan throwing 3 interceptions while still completing over 70% of his passes.

Defensively, Northwestern’s best shot at creating havoc and turnovers is getting to the quarterback. Adetomiwa Adebawore is a force to be reckoned with after producing 4 sacks and 5.5 TFL on the season, but it is far from the biggest challenge Ohio State’s offensive line will face.

As for the Buckeyes, the defense finally showed how much terror it can create in the road comeback over Penn State. JT Tuimoloau was the breakout star from that game, but he is just one piece of the defense that includes Zach Harrison and Tommy Eichenberg in the middle of their own breakout seasons.

Other players to watch out for on the Ohio State defense are safeties Lathan Ransom and Tanner McCalister and defensive lineman Michael Hall Jr. Overall, the unit is 10th nationally while allowing 16.9 points per game.

Ohio State vs. Northwestern prediction

Saturday’s game will be played in Evanston, but home field advantage won’t make a difference in this one. Expect the Buckeyes to start hot and put this one out of reach after the close call against Penn State.

Prediction: Ohio State 52, Northwestern 9