What exactly are we supposed to make of Ohio State at this point? The Buckeyes look like a shell of their former selves and whatever optimism surrounded this team earlier in the season has all but evaporated. Their bubble appears to have burst with playoff hopes dashed. Until Ohio State demonstrates that it can consistently play winning football, I'm not particularly interested in laying points with the Buckeyes, especially after their CFP hopes went to the wasteside. Northwestern, meanwhile, is hardly some hopeless visitor arriving in Columbus with nothing to offer.
The Wildcats were ranked not too long ago and are still 6-3. That's the same record as Ohio State, which makes the idea of automatically trusting the Buckeyes because of their name and home-field advantage rather questionable. And let's not underestimate what this game means for Northwestern. The opportunity to play Ohio State in the Horseshoe is still a significant occasion, regardless of how disappointing the Buckeyes have been. The Wildcats have every reason to embrace that challenge. Ohio State might have the more recognisable brand, but that doesn't mean it deserves the benefit of the doubt. At some point, the Buckeyes have to earn that respect on the field rather than receive it automatically from the bookmakers. Until then, I'll happily take the points with a Northwestern team that has demonstrated it can play ball.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Ohio State Buckeyes prediction: Northwestern +12.5 (-102) points available at time of publishing. Playable to +12.
