Northwestern-Ohio State Preview Capsule

Northwestern (4-3, 3-1 Big Ten) at No. 6 Ohio State (6-1, 3-1), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Line: Ohio State by 23½ Series Record: Ohio State leads 60-14-1. WHAT’S AT STAKE Ohio State needs a victory to stay on course for a Big Ten championship after being upset by Penn State last week. Northwestern looked horrible to start the season, but has won four of its past five games. The Wildcats last beat Ohio State in 2004 and haven’t won in Columbus since 1971. KEY MATCHUP Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett vs. Northwestern defense. The Ohio State passing attack is sputtering, but Barrett and coach Urban Meyer say it’s nothing that can’t be fixed with some tweaks. Barrett has shown he can win games with his arm and his legs. Northwestern DE Ifeadi Odenigbo leads the Big Ten in sacks (eight), and S Igwebuike is among the conference leaders in tackles on a defense that has improved with each game. PLAYERS TO WATCH Northwestern: WR Austin Carr. The former walk-on leads the Big Ten in receptions (50), receiving yards (720), receiving yards per game (102.9) and touchdown receptions (nine). Ohio State: HB Curtis Samuel. The hybrid back broke away for a 74-yard…

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