Ohio State has not made anything easy in the last few weeks. In the last couple of games, the Buckeyes have allowed 71 points combined. In order to keep their CFP hopes alive, beating Northwestern was an absolute must. Yet, they didn't make it easy.
More special teams mistakes, two boneheaded plays from Chris Henry Jr., and a late fumble made everything tougher for them. The offense had multiple miscues, as well. In the end, Ohio State's overwhelming talent advantage made it impossible for Northwestern to win the game, as Ohio State won 28-19.
Ohio State survives Northwestern scare despite miscues
The defensive line finally showed something in this game, as Ohio State had a total of five sacks. The lack of sacks has been a big talking point over the course of the season. However, the Buckeyes were able to get the job done in large part because of the constant pressure they put on the quarterback.
However, there were still too many mistakes. Luke Fahey threw an early interception off Chris Henry Jr.'s helmet after he looked like he didn't know what route he was running. He then dropped a sure touchdown after Fahey threw perhaps the best pass of his Ohio State football career.
Devin Sanchez had a punt bounce off him. Isaiah West fumbled the ball on the Buckeyes' last possession. Fahey missed some wide-open throws, as well. Yet, Northwestern wasn't able to make up the big talent gap. Jeremiah Smith had a lot to say about that.
Smith finished the game with 11 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. He could have had two more catches, but he dropped a couple of passes that he should have hauled in. He also set another record, becoming the Big Ten's all-time receiving leader. Smith is the best receiver in program history.
Ohio State needs an immense amount of help to make the CFP, but fans shouldn't get their hopes up
The Buckeyes need a lot of help in order to make the College Football Playoff. Several teams need to lose in front of them, and some of them need to lose twice. What's worse than that, Ohio State might not be good enough to win one of its next two games, despite playing bad teams.
Nebraska isn't a very good team, and Matt Rhule is on the hot seat. Still, Ohio State's offense is not consistent enough for anyone to have confidence that they will be able to win that game comfortably. Even beating TTUN in the Shoe should make fans nervous.
Ohio State is not going to make things easy on its fans. If the Buckeyes lose another game, no one on the coaching staff is safe. However, the team is not giving up their longshot CFP hopes. As long as they keep winning and the chaos keeps happening that has occurred all year, that hope is still there.
In the last two weeks of the year, Ohio State needs too much help. But they only have themselves to blame.
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