There will probably be a lot of temptation after this weekend of upsets to frame Ohio State's victory against Northwestern in more favorable terms. I will probably read and/or hear "survive and advance" more times than I am actually capable of counting, and if anyone says that the Buckeyes looked "tough" in a "gritty" game I will build a rocket and launch myself into the sun.
Ohio State looked bad, played bad, were bad. The defense doing their job against a terrible offense is the best thing that you can say about yesterday. There is absolutely no sugar coating (weather coating?) the fact that there are significant problems with the running game, emerging concerns about the rushing defense, and a looming threat of the Michigan Wolverines poised to take advantage of both.
Ohio State is still a very, very good team, but the obstacles in their path to a championship might be tougher and better prepared. That needs to change, quickly.
THE TEAM
THE ALUMNI
OKAY, YES, THE WEATHER WAS PRETTY DIRE
THE REST
And that'll do it! No, I'm not mad that I predicted a 54-10 victory! See you next week!
- #2 Ohio State 21, Northwestern 7
- • Buckeyes Slog Past Northwestern, 21-7
- • No Style Points in Sloppy NW Win
- • Stroud Shows He Can Run When Needed
- • Buckeyes Break FBS 20-Point Record
- • Ohio State Postgame • Photos • Notebook • Quotebook • Debriefing
- • NW Postgame • 3 Key Stats • Five Things • Social Reactions