Ohio State football vs. Northwestern: Official prediction

The Ohio State football team is set to take on Northwestern on Saturday at noon on ABC. It will be a nice reprieve from the Buckeyes’ game last week when they had to travel to Happy Valley to take on a good Penn State team in a hostile environment. Northwestern offers no such challenge.

The Wildcats are the worst team in the Big Ten, having only one win this season. They play hard, they just aren’t good. There’s really no reason why the Buckeyes shouldn’t be able to win this game and do so by a wide margin. Backups could get snaps to start the second half.

While the weather could be an issue, the rain should taper off as the game goes along. Ohio State should still be ready for the elements. Even if they come out a bit sloppy, they have an overwhelming talent advantage in this game.

Prediction: Ohio State football 56 Northwestern 7

I do expect Northwestern to get on the board at some point in the game. I also expect a lot of points scored by the Buckeyes. This is a good week to get the running game going. Miyan Williams should be back and he and TreVeyon Henderson should have great games.

I expect the running game to show signs of life. Ohio State could have over 250 yards rushing in this game. I also think C.J. Stroud is able to throw the ball well even though it’s going to be super windy. Expect at least three touchdowns from him as well.

The defense will pick up right where it left off last week. They should force multiple turnovers in this game, although four might be a little much. I think three sounds about right for this one. I’m curious to see how J.T. Tuimoloau follows up his monster performance.

This should be a nice, relaxing victory for Buckeye fans to watch before they turn their attention to the Georiga/Tennessee game in the 3:30 slot.