OSU at Northwestern

November 8th

Overview:

At this point in the season the Wildcats could conceivably be 6-3 and looking to keep the momentum up enough to get to their fourth bowl game in eight years.  On paper, this will be Northwestern’s best team since the passing of Randy Walker in 2006 but the 15 returning starters will have to play their best to upset the Ohio State Mac truck that will be rolling through Evanston in early November.

By Pete Quint

Preview:

    The Wildcats return Big Ten passing leader CJ Bacher, standout running back Tyrell Sutton and their top two receivers from ’07.  Unfortunately Northwestern needs to replace three starters on their offensive line.  The veteran defense returns eight starters but lacks the traditional size of most Big Ten teams.  Ohio State can take advantage of the defensive size difference and offensive line inexperience to out play the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.

Outcome:

    I’ll say this every year OSU travels to Evanston; don’t underestimate the Wildcats.  The Buckeyes have the team to beat Northwestern soundly but they also had the team back in 2004 when they were embarrassed 33-27 in overtime.  Ohio State can win this one handily but keep in mind two things; Jim Tressel Buckeye teams are 5-6 coming off bye weeks and the redemption game with Illinois looms huge next week.