As long as the Buckeyes beat Northwestern this weekend, it's unlikely anyone jumps them for a spot in the playoff, even with Florida still sitting seventh in the rankings.
Ohio State's players were upset they didn't get to play The Game, but it's making them appreciate every moment more as they continue to pursue their bigger goals.
Justin Fields becomes the fourth two-time winner of the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award, joining Drew Brees, Braxton Miller and Saquon Barkley.
Ohio State has nine offensive players honored to the All-Big Ten team, including six first-team selections, with Justin Fields, Wyatt Davis and Garrett Wilson among them.
Justin Fields said he was “really actually close” to committing to Northwestern back in 2016 before his recruitment blew up and he became a five-star prospect.
Ryan Day said it's “pretty humbling” Pat Fitzgerald gave Day his vote for Big Ten Coach of the Year, and he thinks both Fitzgerald and Tom Allen would be worthy of the award.
Northwestern wide receiver Riley Lees said the Wildcats were happy just to win the Big Ten West two years ago, but they enter this year's championship game with bigger goals.
Ohio State has returned Thayer Munford, Josh Myers, Josh Proctor and others who were scratched from the Michigan State game to practice ahead of the Big Ten title game.
Northwestern ranks second in the nation in points allowed per game and interceptions per game, but its passing offense still isn't dangerous and it rarely beats Ohio State.
Pat Fitzgerald said he thinks Ryan Day has done “an absolutely terrific job” coaching Ohio State while he was also instrumental in the fight to save the Big Ten's season.
Chase Young returned a fumble 47 yards for his first NFL touchdown as part of a dominant first-half performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.