It really is impressive. 2011 was the last time Ohio State had three before early November, and before that, it hadn’t happened since 2004.
In 115 years of modern Ohio State football, the program has only suffered 24 seasons with three or more losses, and four or more losses in just 11 of those. But here’s the crazy part – the Buckeyes are still in the Big Ten and CFP title chase.
They have to win out, and they need help with Indiana, Oregon, and USC all needing to lose, and then it dives into tiebreakers, and then …
For now, Ohio State just needs a win after losing to USC and Oregon by a combined score of 71-46.
You want even crazier? In 133 years of modern Northwestern college football, how many years did it lose three or more games? 111.
The 6-3 Wildcats are on a two-game losing streak of their own, losing to Oregon and Iowa by a combined score of 58-36.
Ohio State vs Northwestern: Quick Hits
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Ohio State goes to Nebraska next and then hosts Michigan.
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Northwestern goes to Minnesota after this and finishes against Illinois.
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Since 1913, Ohio State is 66-14-1 against Northwestern. The last Wildcat win was 33-27 in 2004.
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How To Watch Ohio State vs Northwestern
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
– Week 11 Schedule, Predictions
– CFN Bowl & CFP Projections | Top 25
Why Northwestern Will Win
It might be easy to say that Ohio State hit the skids after losing quarterback Julian Sayin, but that’s not it. It’s been a meltdown across the board, with the running game struggling way too much for Ohio State – 2.1 yards per carry against Indiana, and 2.5 yards per run against Oregon – and the defense not holding firm when it needs to take over.
The running game has to try to take over. Quarterback Nicco Marchiol isn’t Aidan Chiles, but he can run a little bit, and now he needs help from the backs.
Northwestern is 4-0 when running for 175 yards or more, and 6-1 with more than 105 yards. Ohio State has allowed more than 105 rushing yards in all three losses, and gave up close to 200 in the win over Illinois, but …
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Why Ohio State Will Win
Everyone take a beat, and take a deep breath.
Luke Fahey hasn’t been that bad. Granted, he was bombing away trying to get the offense working against Oregon, but he completed 72% of his passes for 360 yards and two scores, with an interception. He has been okay.
The defense hasn’t been truly miserable. It lost its edge against Oregon and couldn’t stop the momentum, but this is still the nation’s 15th-best defense, and the offense is No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring and yards. Even though it started hot against Oregon, the team just needs to block and tackle better.
Without Chiles, Northwestern is missing its mojo. Control the clock, let the talented players play, and force the Wildcats to try to force things to move.
Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction, Betting Lines
Ohio State is in an unfamiliar spot, but it still has Northwestern outmanned. The only way this works for the Wildcats is by getting enough control of the game to run it over 40 times, and that’s a heavy lift. Only Texas has been able to do that against the Buckeyes, and no one else came all that close.
It won’t be anything pretty, but Ohio State will shake itself awake and get back on a winning track again with a midrange passing game that will click right away. Northwestern won’t generate enough of a pass rush to matter.
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Ohio State 30, Northwestern 16
Latest Consensus Line: Ohio State -12.5, o/u: 45.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
