Northwestern vs Ohio State Prediction 11/14/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

Northwestern vs Ohio State Prediction

I’m going to stick with Ohio State. This one should be interesting though, with both teams coming off consecutive losses. The Buckeyes fell at home versus a pretty tough Oregon squad 41-28 on Saturday, giving up 395 yards, 22 first downs and 8-of-17 on third downs in the process. Ohio State put up 413 yards themselves with 360 pass yards and 23 first downs. The Buckeyes have given up 71 combined yards in their last two outings, so I’d like to see them tighten the screws on defense in this one.

As for Northwestern, they’re coming off a 14-point loss at home versus a very good Iowa team. In that one the Wildcats gained 286 yards with 19 first downs and no turnovers, but also went an abysmal 1-of-11 on third-down tries. Defensively Northwestern gave up 296 yards with 14 first downs and a couple of takeaways alongside 7-of-13 on third downs. The Wildcats have a pretty tricky schedule the rest of the way, with a road game at Minnesota and a home finisher against Illinois looming. It’s going to be a tough finish.

Game Info, Stats and Previews

The Northwestern Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet Saturday in college football action from Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Here’s a collection of relevant information and reasoning for a sound Northwestern vs Ohio State prediction. We have looked at this information from a betting perspective and attempted to determine the best Northwestern vs Ohio State pick. We will also examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. We will tie it all together to the pick summary, resulting in a sensible prediction for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Wildcats opened the season on a great run but they’ve had a couple of blemishes lately. Northwestern fell to only Indiana in their first seven games. Otherwise it was wins over South Dakota State, Colorado, Penn State, Ball State, Michigan State and Rutgers. Since then the Wildcats have lost to Oregon and Iowa in consecutive games, giving Northwestern a 6-3 overall record in the books.

Last weekend versus Iowa, the Wildcats got blanked in the first half and left the field with a 14-0 halftime deficit. Northwestern gave up a couple more scores in the third quarter and eventually lost 24-10. QB Nicco Marchiol was 24-of-32 for 181 yards and a TD while also leading the rush with 23 carries for 52 yards. Griffin Wilde had five catches for 52 yards as the lead receiver.

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

Over on the Ohio State side, they opened up on a nice run as well, winning six of their first seven. The only blemish was a loss to Texas; otherwise it was wins over Ball State, Kent State, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland and Indiana. Since then however, Ohio State has lost consecutive games versus USC and Oregon, giving the team a 6-3 record overall as well this year.

Matched up against Oregon on Saturday the Buckeyes jumped out to a 14-0 lead then settled down for a 17-14 halftime deficit. Ohio State gave up three more touchdowns and a field goal the rest of the way, limping to a 41-28 loss. QB Luke Fahey was 36-of-50 for 360 yards, two scores and a pick. Bo Jackson rushed 11 times for 48 yards and two TDs while Jeremiah Smith hauled in seven passes for 133 yards and a score in the defeat.

Northwestern Wildcats @ Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends: Week 11

 

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Ohio State has won 64 of its last 66 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Ohio Stadium.
• Northwestern has lost 21 of its last 22 games against AP-ranked teams.
• The team ranked 21st in the AP Poll has covered the spread in six of its last seven games.
• Northwestern has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six road games.
• Ohio State has won the first half in 36 of its last 39 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win

• Ohio State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Northwestern has covered the spread in five of its last six games against teams from Ohio.

Total Points Facts

• Eight of Ohio State’s last nine home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
• Four of Northwestern’s last five games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Ohio State Buckeyes Player Prop Facts

• Jeremiah Smith has recorded 50+ receiving yards in 11 consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 11.

Northwestern Wildcats Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 11, Joseph Himon II is one of only eight players in the FBS to record 3+ rushing and 3+ receiving TDs this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Ohio State ranks T3rd among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (11.4).
• Ohio State ranks 4th among FBS teams for average point differential in first quarters this season (+8.1).
• Northwestern ranks T6th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (94.6).
• Northwestern ranks 14th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (2.4).

Andrew Jett's Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes -12.5