My Northwestern vs. Ohio State prediction sees the Wildcats covering a generous 13.5-point spread when these Big Ten rivals meet in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 14.
I like the Wildcats to keep it close behind their capable offense and a stunted Buckeyes attack. Keep reading to see my college football picks for Saturday's showdown.
Who will win Northwestern vs Ohio State: Northwestern +13.5
The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost two straight games, and are struggling to do work on offense since quarterback Julian Sayin went down with an elbow injury. Even worse for the Buckeyes, they've allowed a total of 71 points over their last two games, a stunning reversal for a defense that had previously allowed just 13.4 ppg over its first seven games.
The Northwestern Wildcats are not who a struggling defense wants to get right against. The Wildcats are putting up 421.2 yards and 31.0 ppg. They do consistent damage, with a Top-30 success rate (48.0%) on offense. Those numbers look even better when you consider Northwestern's schedule, ranked 31st nationally.
Right now, the Buckeyes aren't scoring enough points to blow out a potent offense. I like Northwestern to cover +13.5 at up to 55%.
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Northwestern vs Ohio State Over/Under pick: Over 45.5
Given my expectations for the Northwestern offense, it should come as no surprise that I'm also backing the Over. The Wildcats have played above this total in every game this season except one — their loss last week to the Iowa Hawkeyes, perhaps the team least conducive to scoring in major college football.
While Ohio State's offense has stumbled a bit, this is still a unit that put up 28 points against the Oregon Ducks last week behind freshman quarterback Luke Fahey.
These are two of the Top 20 offenses in the country in adjusted EPA, and that has me trading the Over up to 47.5 points.
TOP PICK
Northwestern vs Ohio State prop: Northwestern team total Over 13.5 points
Outside of Iowa, no team has held Northwestern to fewer than 23 points this year. And while I might normally be worried about Ohio State changing that, the Buckeyes have seemingly lost a step defensively.
Even before the two-game losing streak, Ohio State's defense hasn't quite at the level of Iowa or Indiana, so Northwestern has already faced more imposing units. The Buckeyes also won't grind the game to a halt in the same way Iowa did.
The Wildcats are going to have more success than expected here. I like their team total Over at up to 60%, and would consider Over 16.5 at up to 50%.
COVERS INTEL: Northwestern ranks 9th this season among FBS teams in adjusted EPA per offensive play (0.18).- Top picks: 5-2, +3.05 units
- Combos: 1-6, -0.70 units
Northwestern vs Ohio State odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Northwestern +13.5 | Ohio State -13.5
- Over/Under: Over 45.5 (46%) | Under 45.5 (55%)
- Moneyline: Northwestern 17% | Ohio State 83%
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Northwestern vs Ohio State weather
It'll be a chilly day in Columbus with a high of 43, but the cloudy weather won't have any impact on Saturday's game.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Northwestern vs Ohio State trend to know
Northwestern is 3-0 ATS in its last three games against Ohio State. Find more college football betting trends for Northwestern vs. Ohio State.
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How to watch Northwestern vs Ohio State
| Location | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 |
| Kickoff | Noon ET |
| TV | FOX |
Northwestern vs Ohio State latest injuries
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