Ohio State Football: Our predictions for the Big Ten Championship Game

CL:  What an unlikely Big Ten Championship matchup. After the first four games of the season only die-hard Northwestern fans thought their team would be playing in Indianapolis. Going into the final four games many thought Ohio State wouldn’t be there.

On paper this doesn’t look like much of a game. The Buckeyes have the 2nd best passing offense in the country and are averaging 43.8 points per game. The Wildcats are averaging 23.7, just 2 points per game more than their opponents.

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However, that’s just how Pat Fitzgerald’s team plays. They are a disciplined bunch that keeps the game close and often finds a way to win. That style of play has been successful the last eight games as Northwestern’s only loss during that stretch was by 10 points to No. 3 ranked Notre Dame.

It will be important for Ohio State to play relatively mistake free football early, and be patient. There is no question the Buckeyes are the far more talented team, but if they make mistakes and let the Wildcats stay in the game anything can happen.

I think early on Ohio State will pound the ball on the ground with J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber and take whatever Northwestern gives them in the passing game. The Buckeyes will eventually wear the Wildcats down and pull away.

I see this as a big win for Ohio State that will impress the College Football Playoff Committee. I have the score 59-13.

There you have it, our Scarlet And Game predictions for the Big Ten Championship Game.