Second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1) face Northwestern Wildcats (4-5) at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Game Analysis:

• Ohio State enters on a three-game win streak
• Northwestern coming off bye week after overtime win against Purdue
• Weather forecast: 49°F with 11.4 mph winds
• Line moved from Ohio State -30.5 to -28.5

Key Statistics:

• Northwestern's defense allows 21.9 points per game (40th in FBS)
• Wildcats limit rushing to 108.2 yards per game (15th in FBS)
• Ohio State has won last 10 meetings by 28.1 points average
• All-time series: Ohio State leads 65-14-1

Key Players: Ohio State:

• QB Will Howard: 2,237 yards, 22 TDs
• WR Jeremiah Smith: 765 yards, 9 TDs

Northwestern:

• RB Cam Porter: 386 yards, 6 TDs
• LB Mac Uihlein: 58 tackles
• DB Theran Johnson: 2 INTs

Injury Report: Ohio State:

• Questionable: TE Will Kacmarek, TE Jace Middleton, CB Calvin Simpson Hart
• Out: OL Josh Simmons, RB TC Caffrey

Northwestern:

• Questionable: LB Xander Mueller, K Jack Olsen
• Out: WR Bryce Kirtz, DB Ore Adeyi, WR Ricky Ahumaraeze

Prediction: Expected final score: Ohio State 34, Northwestern 13

Betting Recommendations:

• Northwestern +28.5 (-110)
• Under 44.5 points (-110)

The weather conditions and Northwestern's methodical approach should keep the game closer than the spread suggests, though Ohio State's superior talent should prevail.

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