COLUMBUS — Every Friday (sorry, it was Saturday this week) we’ll bring you a quick-hit look at the game ahead for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Northwestern (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) at No. 20 Ohio State (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten)
Kickoff: Noon
Network: Fox
Announcers: Connor Onion, Robert Griffin III, Alexa Landestoy
History: The Buckeyes lead the series 66-14-1 and have won 35 of the last 36. Northwestern’s last win in Columbus was in 1971. Northwestern’s last win overall in the series was in 2004.
Info: Ohio State game notes & Northwestern game notes
Game trailer
Buckeye I’ll be watching Saturday
WR Jeremiah Smith: This feels like one of those situations where there were so many questions about Smith not getting the ball last week that he’ll get it at least 10 times against Northwestern. Of course, we’re watching him every game, but I’m specifically interested in how Ohio State gets him the ball. This can no longer be a situation where the connection between Smith and Luke Fahey comes via downfield passing. The offensive staff needs to manufacture touches for Smith. I think they will. — Bill
C Carson Hinzman: Starting left guard Luke Montgomery was listed as doubtful on the Friday night injury report. Right tackle Phillip Daniels was listed as questionable. Left tackle Ian Moore sat out last week. Right guard has been back and forth between Gabe Van Sickle and Jake Cook lately Austin Siereveld has started at three different positions. If Montgomery can’t go Saturday, Hinzman will be the only offensive lineman to start every game this season.
Ryan Day said this week the offensive line needs to be more consistent. It’s hard to be consistent with guys moving in and out of the lineup, but this group hasn’t been anywhere close to the level expected and needed. Hinzman had a crucial bad snap on a third down last week, he’s acknowledged working through communication issues with new quarterback Luke Fahey, and he honestly seemed a little down when meeting with reporters this week.
“It breaks my heart, and a lot of stuff, we’re so close on so many things, it just hurts,” Hinzman said. “And that comes from me. It comes from everyone. We need to be better and I need to be better as a leader. I need to be better as a player.” — Doug
One thing I want Ohio State to do Saturday
Scrap the five-man defensive front, play more four-down, and let the defensive line actually rush. I don’t think OSU has secretly had awesome pass rushers this year, but I think there’s a little more to milk out of this defensive front if Matt Patricia goes back to basics up front and lets those guys actually try to get after the passer. Playing some tighter coverage will help the rush, too, and I’m expecting that. OSU needs to get pressure in this game. — Bill
Run a trick play. Is that a little on the nose, given the questions we’ve asked about creativity and winning on the margins? Maybe. Would it be an overreaction to firing special teams coach Robby Discher? Maybe. Would it work? Maybe not.
But I’d take it as some sign of life, and I think maybe you would, too. — Doug
Another game to watch with Ohio State in mind
USC at Indiana, 3:30, CBS: You want the Trojans to win if you care about Ohio State’s slim chances of still making the Big Ten Championship. Step one in that process is the Hoosiers taking a second conference loss, and this is the best chance of that happening. — Bill
Stat to know
Ohio State has 11 sacks on the season, which is tied for 120th in the nation. The Buckeyes had nine in their first five games, and they have just two in their last four games. Of the 68 teams in the Power 4, only Texas A&M and Stanford have fewer.
There are 178 FBS football players with at least three sacks. One of them is a Buckeye — Kenyatta Jackson. — Doug
Uniform Look
Field Look
Band Plan
Lines
Ohio State -13.5
Over-under 44.5
Picks
Bill: Ohio State 30-20
Doug: Ohio State 30-21
On the season
Bill: 7-2 straight up, 5-4 spread, 5-4 over-under
Doug: 8-1 straight up, 4-5 spread, 5-4 over-under
Your vote
Ohio State will win by 14 points more: 38 percent
Ohio State will win by 13 points or fewer: 57 percent
Northwestern will win: 5 percent
Combined score of 45 points or more: 37 percent
Combined score of 44 points or fewer: 63 percent
Tracking network and kickoff times for the season
Network
Fox: 4
BTN: 2
CBS: 2
ABC: 1
NBC: 1
Announcers
Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt: 3
Brad Nessler, Charles Davis: 2
Connor Onion, Robert Griffin III: 1
Jeff Levering, Jake Butt: 1
Mark Followill, Jake Butt: 1
Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit: 1
Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge: 1
Kickoff time
Noon: 4
12:30: 1
3:30: 2
4:15: 1
7:30: 2
Also
• This game wasn’t affected by the FAA ground stop of flights on Friday because Northwestern had already arrived in Columbus. And the Big Ten announced none of its officiating crews were affected by the travel disruption.
• Ohio State launched its award campaign for Jeremiah Smith this week, after Bill noted seeing a box with JJ4ItAll on it last week. You can check out the website here.
• Northwestern is one of five teams in the 138 teams of FBS football to throw only one interception this season. The only team to throw no interceptions? Brian Hartline’s South Florida team. Ohio State has thrown eight interceptions.
• Ohio State’s offense is 45th in the nation, scoring touchdowns on 65.9 percent of red-zone trips. Northwestern’s defense is 17th, allowing touchdowns on 45.9 percent of red-zone trips.
• Northwestern running back Joseph Himon leads the Big Ten by averaging 8.4 rushing yards per carry.
This is great, detailed and in depth perspective. You are best-in-class!