Week 12 Preview and Prediction vs. Northwestern

The Ohio State Buckeyes are ready to Northwestern Wild Cats on Saturday at the historic home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field.

After suffering a loss to the Oregon Ducks in Week 7, head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have managed to win three straight conference games. Down the stretch, Ohio State has outscored opponents 86-30, while also defeating the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions on the road 20-13.

One of the biggest adjustments the Buckeyes have made since the loss to Oregon has been on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has completely transformed his unit over the past month, and it has clearly paid off. Ohio State has the lowest yards allowed per game in the country at 250.8, while also allowing an average of 10.7 points per game.

As for Northwestern, the program has faced multiple challenges throughout the 2024 season. The Wildcats are currently 4-5 on the year with key wins against Maryland and Purdue. Under head coach David Braun, the fellow Big Ten Conference member has struggled to find an offensive identity.

Northwestern’s lack of offensive production has been made up for by a stout defense. Through nine games this season, the Wildcats’ defense has allowed an average of 108.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks seventh in the Big Ten Conference. In the team’s blowout win against Maryland, the defense allowed a whopping 1.8 rushing yards per attempt.

Saturday’s game will be the fourth time since 1938 Wrigley Field will host a college football game. Northwestern is well accustomed to the ballpark, as they played the Iowa Hawkeyes at the venue last season.

Day told reporters on Tuesday that the team will travel to the stadium on Friday to experience the atmosphere.

“I would like them to see the composition of it, I would like them to see the turf. I would like them to feel where the infield is filled with the turf. I would like them to see how we are going to arrange the peace; we’ll be in the bullpen and not go into the locker room. There’s just some different things I’d like them to see.

– Ryan Day

The Week 12 game will also be a homecoming game for the second-year wide receiver Carnell Tate. When Day discussed how important this game would be for Tate, he responded honestly, stating that he wants to win the game for his young receiver.

“I just can’t say enough about Carnell Tate. I’m not going to get into it right now, but I just have so much respect for who he is as a person, what he’s been through and the fact that he’s going back to Chicago. I want this match personally win for him, and I know the team respects the fact that he’s going home, and it means a lot to him.”

– Ryan Day

Quarterback Will Howard has quietly become an underdog to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy, and he could easily increase his stock on Saturday.

Northwestern’s defense has struggled against the pass this year, allowing an average of 241.1 passing yards in 2024. Despite the many talented pass rushers on the Wildcats’ defensive line, Ohio State’s front line has proven it can withstand some of the best front sevens in history. the nation.

If Howard can continue the success he had against Purdue, the Buckeyes will leave Chicago with a win.