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Game changer? Brandon Joseph picks off Justin Fields in the end zone to preserve Northwestern’s lead

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

Brandon Joseph may have just changed everything for Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The Wildcats are taking a 10-6 lead into the break over No. 4 Ohio State thanks to this remarkable interception by Joseph at the end of the first half:

That’s Joseph’s sixth interception of the season, which leads all Big Ten players. He was previous tied for the conference lead with Michigan State’s Shakur Brown.

Joseph also has two tackles, a pass breakup and a QB hurry in the first half.

Northwestern has kept the Buckeyes from generating any offensive momentum. Quarterback Justin Fields went 9-of-20 for 101 yards and that interception in the first half.

If there’s one bright spot for the Buckeyes, it was their ability to run the ball. Trey Sermon carried the ball seven times for 60 yards while Master Teague added 23 yards on two rushes.

Offensively, Northwestern has been good enough so far. Quarterback Peyton Ramsey completed 12 of 14 passes for 90 yards. Running back Cam Porter added 33 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts.

Yards per play illustrates just how close this game has been through 30 minutes — Northwestern is picking up 5.4 yards per play, while Ohio State is at 5.3.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.