EVANSTON, Ill. — Just like the weather conditions, this game wasn't pretty.
The 2nd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes overcame heavy winds, rainfall and a stiff challenge from Northwestern to escape with a 21-7 win on Saturday.
The Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) came into the game tied in the Associated Press poll with Tennessee and trailing only the Volunteers in the College Football Playoff rankings. But for a while there, their playoff hopes looked to be in jeopardy.
Off-and-on heavy rain and gusting winds, made things difficult for the Buckeyes as the heavy wind blew passes off course throughout the game. On top of that, Northwestern’s physical play only added to the difficulties, especially early on in the game.
Northwestern (1-8, 1-5 Big Ten) struck first as Evan Hull made a Buckeye defender miss and scampered 16 yards in for the score. Adam Stage added the extra point and the Wildcats lead 7-0 with 6:45 left in the opening quarter.
The Wildcats would threaten to extend their lead later in the quarter, driving to the Ohio State 26. Facing a fourth-and-eight, Northwestern opted to go for the first down rather than attempt a field goal. Brendan Sullivan would complete a pass to his target Malik Washington would be dropped well short of the first down by Buckeye defensive back Ronnie Hickman to end the drive.
Late in the second quarter, the Buckeyes would benefit from the blustery wind conditions as a Wildcat punt would only go 32 yards, setting Ohio State up at the Northwestern 46.
The Buckeyes would find the end zone just six plays later as Emeka Egbuka would take a jet sweep around end from the 15 for the touchdown. Noah Ruggles booted the point after try to tie the ballgame up with 2:26 remaining until halftime.
Miyan Williams gave Ohio State the lead with a 27-yard touchdown in the third quarter, taking a inside dive run, and bouncing outside to outrun the rest of the Northwestern defense to make the score 14-7.
Williams would add his second touchdown with 4:21 remaining in the game, cruising in to the end zone from 2-yards out to make the final score 21-7. The score was set up by C.J. Stroud, who broke off a 44-yard run two plays prior to the score.
Stroud, who leads the Big Ten in passing yards, set a career low with just 76. He completed 10 of 26 passes in his only game this year without a touchdown throw. He managed to make up for the low passing number with 79 rushing yards on the day, including the 44-yard gain in the fourth quarter.
Miyan Williams ran for 111 yards to along with his two touchdowns.
Evan Hull ran for 122 yards and a touchdown to lead the Wildcats offense. Brendan Sullivan threw for 79 yards, completing 10 of 14 passes.
Northwestern is still winless since beating Nebraska in Ireland to open their season.
Ohio State will be back at home game against Indiana next week and visit Maryland before their big showdown with No. 4 Michigan in Columbus on Nov. 26.
Ohio State 0 7 7 7 = 21
Northwestern 7 0 0 0 = 7
First Quarter
NW–Evan Hull 16 run (Adam Stage kick), 6:45.
Second Quarter
OSU–Emeka Egbuka 15 run (Ruggles kick), 2:26.
Third Quarter
OSU–Miyan Williams 27 run (Ruggles kick), 8:44.
Fourth Quarter
OSU–Miyan Williams 2 run (Ruggles kick), 4:21.
A–42,774.
___
OSU NW
First downs 13 17
Total Net Yards 283 285
Rushes-yards 35-207 59-206
Passing 76 79
Punt Returns 1-18 0-0
Kickoff Returns 1-21 2-20
Interceptions Ret. 0-0 0-0
Comp-Att-Int 10-26-0 10-17-0
Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 0-0
Punts 7-50.286 6-40.833
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-0
Penalties-Yards 3-20 4-27
Time of Possession 23:34 36:26
___
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING–Ohio St., M.Williams 26-111, Stroud 6-79, Egbuka 2-21, (Team) 1-(minus 4). Northwestern, Hull 30-122, Sullivan 12-55, Porter 11-50, Clair 1-1, Washington 1-(minus 2), (Team) 4-(minus 20).
PASSING–Ohio St., Stroud 10-26-0-76. Northwestern, Sullivan 10-14-0-79, Hilinski 0-3-0-0.
RECEIVING–Ohio St., M.Harrison 5-51, Stover 2-12, Egbuka 2-6, Fleming 1-7. Northwestern, Washington 6-49, Porter 2-14, Kirtz 1-12, Hull 1-4.
MISSED FIELD GOALS–None.
Comments