Here are three keys for No. 20 Ohio State against Northwestern on Nov. 14:
Prepare for Chip Kelly’s creativity
The presence of Kelly, who is in his first year as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator, presents a challenge. While the 62-year-old play-caller has long been considered one of the sport’s brightest minds, his wizardry has only grown more pronounced in his return to the Big Ten, adding a mix of old-school concepts such as the wishbone and Wing-T to the Wildcats’ offense. The scheme’s variety requires the Buckeyes to be prepared for a range of looks even if Ohio State coach Ryan Day and his staff are familiar with Kelly, who worked with many of them in 2024 as OSU’s offensive coordinator.
Nov 7, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Nicco Marchiol (4) passes the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at New Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Find touches for Jeremiah Smith
The Buckeyes fell behind in last week’s loss to Oregon after going nearly two quarters without targeting Smith, their superstar wide receiver and Heisman Trophy contender. Even if freshman quarterback Luke Fahey lacks the chemistry that Julian Sayin had built with Smith over a year and a half, the Buckeyes need to find ways to involve their top playmaker if their offense is to return anywhere close to form. Northwestern has been vulnerable to skill position talent, as Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore caught seven catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago. There should opportunities to feed Smith.
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Get the run game going
It’s no secret the Buckeyes have had their ups and downs running the ball, especially since running back Ja’Kobi Jackson went down last month. But there might be opportunity to reestablish the run against Northwestern, which allows 4.59 yards per carry, ranking 97th in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and remains susceptible to giving up longer runs. The Wildcats have surrendered 10 runs of at least 30 yards, a total that is tied with Purdue for the most in the Big Ten. Explosiveness on the ground would jolt Ohio State, but even more efficient runs, would keep its offense ahead of schedule and leave Fahey in better spots.
Key matchup
Ohio State defensive line vs. Northwestern offensive line
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The Wildcats had trouble protecting Nicco Marchiol, the backup quarterback who replaced an injured Aidan Chiles in their loss to Iowa last week. Marchiol was sacked six times. Ohio State has not produced much of a pass rush this year, including only two sacks in the last four games, but it’s possible it could find some success between Northwestern’s struggling offensive line and the absence of Chiles, who will be unavailable for a second straight week, leaving the Wildcats without his dual-threat ability. Iowa limited Northwestern by controlling the line of scrimmage, affecting Marchiol and holding running backs Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II to just 52 rushing yards.
Key stat
55: Years since the last time Ohio State lost to Northwestern at Ohio Stadium.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How can Ohio State football beat Northwestern? 3 keys to snap two-game skid
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