Buckeyes Beat Northwestern With Ease in 31-7 Win at Wrigley

© David Banks-Imagn Images

No. 2 Ohio State came out of Wrigley Field with a 31-7 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten Conference) on Nov. 16 in Chicago, Ill. The Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1 B1G) started slow, but gained firm control to end the first half and never looked back. After being down early, head coach Ryan Day's Buckeyes scored 31 unanswered points to finish the afternoon.

Game Summary

Northwestern started out very strong. They drove directly down the field on the opening possession, then had their momentum abruptly halted. Defensive lineman Jack Sawyer stripped the ball from Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch, allowing the Buckeyes to recover. The Wildcats' defense held strong as it forced an Ohio State punt on the ensuing drive after what initially seemed to be another highlight-reel Jeremiah Smith touchdown was called back.

The Wildcats then took a 7-0 lead on a 92-yard drive, ending with an 8-yard TD run from Lausch. The Buckeyes responded quickly with a 1-yard TD run from running back Quinshon Judkins. They later broke the tie with another Judkins score after a huge blocked punt. The scoring avalanche continued as wide receiver Carnell Tate added 2 TD receptions of his own. The Chicago native had the performance of his career in his return home. His two scores gave Ohio State plenty of cushion on the scoreboard, and it rolled its way to victory.

Turning Point for the Buckeyes

With the game tied 7-7 in the middle of the second quarter, Northwestern punter Hunter Renner had the snap fly over his head. He managed to pick the ball up just in front of his goal line, but the Buckeyes still blocked the kick and forced the ball out-of-bounds at the 1-yard line.

Linebacker Gabe Powers and defensive lineman Caden Curry helped pressure Renner, while WR David Adolph got his hands on the ball. Just two plays later, Judkins broke the tie with a 1-yard TD run. The block marked the second consecuitve week the Buckeyes had a blocked punt after they recently stressed their need for more production on special teams.

What it Means for Northwestern

The Wildcats started out very strong on both sides of the ball. They put up a tough fight early on and made life difficult for the Buckeyes. Head coach David Braun has his team playing hard and playing well overall late in the season. They go to Ann Arbor, Mich. to play the Michigan Wolverines (5-5, 3-4 B1G) next week on Nov. 23. They have a legitimate chance to stay competitive and even come out with a win as Michigan is having a down year following their national championship season. Finishing the season strong in Braun's first year at the helm would help tremendously for the future of a Wildcats team full of potential.

What it Means for Ohio State

The Buckeyes, who also got 2 TD passes from QB Will Howard, did exactly what they needed to do. Ohio State continued building momentum and came out with another conference win. Tight end Gee Scott and WR Jeremiah Smith seemed to suffer minor injuries in the second half but appeared to be OK. Smith even stayed in the game afterward with a heavily-taped left ankle.

On Nov. 23, Ohio State has a huge test ahead in taking on No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 B1G). The Buckeyes and the Hoosiers are likely playing for a spot in the B1G championship game. The winner more than likely goes on to face No. 1 Oregon (10-0, 7-0 B1G) on Dec. 7. Everyone at Ohio State is clamoring for another opportunity to play the Ducks after a 32-31 loss to them earlier this season. They need to get through Indiana and the Wolverines first to have their chance at redemption. Everyone in the nation will have their eyes on the top-5 matchup on Nov. 23.