Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction, Odds & Injury Report (Saturday, Nov. 16)

• No. 2 Ohio State faces Northwestern at historic Wrigley Field on Saturday
• The latest Ohio State vs Northwestern odds favor the Buckeyes by 28.5 points
• Read below for Ohio State vs Northwestern prediction, odds and injury report

A Big Ten battle with a twist awaits as the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) face the Northwestern Wildcats (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten) at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Ohio State rides a three-game win streak, including a 45-0 demolition of Purdue last week. Northwestern also beat the Boilermakers 26-20 in overtime before heading into its bye. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET on BTN.

Let’s explore our Ohio State vs Northwestern prediction and examine how the Windy City weather could shape this intriguing matchup.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction

Don’t let the records deceive you – this game has all the makings of a Big Ten grinder, and respected bettors have taken notice. The line has dropped from Ohio State -30.5 to -28.5, indicating smart money on the Wildcats.

The forecasted game-time temperature of 49°F with 11.4 mph winds should make both teams rely heavily on the running game. That plays into Northwestern’s hands with Cam Porter (386 yards, 6 TDs) and a defense allowing just 108.2 rushing yards per game (15th in FBS).

Cam Porter and @NUFBFamily are cooking in West Lafayette 👨‍🍳#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/L4yHVLg5k9

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 2, 2024

Ohio State’s dynamic offense led by QB Will Howard (2,237 yards, 22 TDs) and WR Jeremiah Smith (765 yards, 9 TDs) will have to adapt to the elements against an underrated Northwestern defense. The ‘Cats allow only 21.9 points per game (40th) and boast standouts like LB Mac Uihlein (58 tackles) and DB Theran Johnson (2 INTs).

The Buckeyes have won the last 10 meetings by an average of 28.1 points, but the unique venue and chilly conditions should keep this one slightly more competitive. Northwestern’s methodical approach is well-suited to shorten the game and limit Ohio State’s possessions.

Ultimately, I predict Ohio State’s talent will prevail, but not before the Wildcats make them sweat a bit. I’m expecting a 34-13 type of game, with Northwestern covering the generous 28.5-point spread. The total of 44.5 feels a bit high given the weather and how slow Northwestern tends to play, so I’m also on the under despite the low number.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Picks

• Northwestern +28.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
• Under 44.5 points (-110)

OSU vs Northwestern Odds

Ohio State opened as a 30.5-point road favorite, but respected action has driven the line down to Buckeyes -28.5. The total has also dipped from 45.5 to 44.5 points, reflecting the expected low-scoring environment.

The moneyline is off the board at many books due to the lopsided matchup. BetMGM has Ohio State at -8000 (bet $8000 to win $100) and Northwestern at +4000 (bet $100 to win $4000).

*Odds as of Nov. 15 at BetMGM.

The Buckeyes have dominated this series historically, holding a 65-14-1 all-time record against Northwestern and winning 10 straight matchups. It’s not hard to see why oddsmakers are bullish on Ryan Day’s squad once again in 2024.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Weather Forecast

According to the latest forecast, the game-time temperature at Wrigley Field will be around 49°F with humidity at 76.63% and wind speeds of 11.4 mph. There is a 0% chance of precipitation.

While not as cold as initially anticipated, the wind and chilly conditions should still impact the passing games and favor the running attacks. Points may be at a premium, further adding value to the under.

Ohio State vs Northwestern Injury Report

On the Buckeyes’ side, TE Will Kacmarek (upper-body) is questionable, along with TE Jace Middleton, CB Calvin Simpson Hart, OL Zen Michalski, and WR Reis Stockdale. OL Josh Simmons and RB TC Caffrey have been ruled out.

Northwestern’s injury list is equally concerning. They’ll be without WR Bryce Kirtz, DB Ore Adeyi, WR Ricky Ahumaraeze, OL Richie Hagarty, and DL Jack Bailey. Top LB Xander Mueller (lower-body) and K Jack Olsen are questionable after missing the Purdue game.

Keep an eye on any game-time decisions, as the cooler weather could impact players dealing with nagging injuries.