Northwestern Looks to End 55-Year Losing Streak at Ohio State

Northwestern faces a difficult challenge Saturday as it travels to Columbus to take on Ohio State. The Wildcats are looking to get back in the win column after consecutive losses, but they also have a much bigger piece of history working against them. 

Northwestern has not won at Ohio Stadium since 1971, losing 16 straight games on the road against the Buckeyes. Now, the Wildcats have an opportunity to end that streak and accomplish something the program has not done in 55 years.

Winning in Columbus has been a difficult task for Northwestern throughout the years. Ohio State has established itself as one of the most successful programs in college football, and playing in front of its home crowd presents another challenge for visiting teams. 

The Buckeyes have won 48 home games since the start of the 2019 season, showing just how difficult it has been for opponents to leave Ohio Stadium with a victory.

The Wildcats will certainly have their work cut out for them against a talented Ohio State roster. Despite losing its last two games against USC and Oregon, the Buckeyes remain one of the most talented teams in the country. They average 35.7 points and 467.9 total yards per game, while their defense has allowed just 18.3 points per contest this season.

Ohio State also has one of the most dangerous receivers in the country in Jeremiah Smith. Through nine games, Smith has recorded 69 receptions for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. Northwestern’s secondary will have to be prepared for the challenge of containing him and limiting the opportunities he gets downfield.

However, the Buckeyes are not entering this matchup without questions of their own. Both teams will be starting quarterbacks who were not their original starters coming into the season. 

Northwestern will once again be without Aidan Chiles, who has been ruled out with an upper-body injury for a second consecutive game. Nicco Marchiol is expected to make his second straight start after completing 24 of 32 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown against Iowa.

Ohio State will stick with freshman Luke Fahey, who is preparing for his third consecutive start after Julian Sayin was sidelined with an injury. Fahey has thrown for 580 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in his first two starts. While the Buckeyes have lost both games, Fahey has shown that he can make plays through the air and will be looking to earn his first victory as the starter.

That quarterback matchup adds another interesting element to Saturday’s game. Both Marchiol and Fahey will have another opportunity to become more comfortable in their respective offenses, but neither team can afford to rely solely on its quarterback to carry the offense.

For Northwestern, the defense will need to create pressure, force mistakes and make life difficult for Fahey. The Wildcats have been one of the better teams in the country at creating turnovers, entering the matchup with a plus-12 turnover margin. Finding ways to take the football away could be especially important against an Ohio State offense looking to get back on track.

Offensively, Northwestern will need to take advantage of its opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. Marchiol showed some positive signs against Iowa, but facing Ohio State’s defense on the road will be another level of competition.

The Wildcats will also need to establish the running game and find ways to keep the Buckeyes from putting too much pressure on their quarterback.

Ohio State enters Saturday as the more heavily favored team, and breaking the losing streak will certainly be a difficult task for Northwestern. The Buckeyes have the talent, home-field advantage and history on their side. However, both teams are coming off consecutive losses and will be hungry to get back into the win column.

If Northwestern can play a disciplined game, win the turnover battle and make the most of its opportunities, it could give itself a chance late. It will take a strong performance across all three phases, but the opportunity is there for the Wildcats to accomplish something that has eluded the program for 55 years.

Anything can happen in college football, and Northwestern will have a chance to make history Saturday. The question is whether the Wildcats can finally find a way to win in Columbus.