Northwestern

48-7, 20-0, 38-20, 49-6, 51-3, 31-7 and 48-7. That's the result of the Wildcats last 7 trips to the 'Shoe (1990 - 2005). That's an average score of 40-7. The only thing more certain than an OSU win over N'western in Columbus is an OSU win over Minnesota in Minnesota.

Tyrell Sutton from Akron is the motor that makes the Wildcat offense run. If he's not playing, N'western is capable of losing to the likes of Duke - oh, look who beat them last week! Duke. Sutton is injured and may not play on Saturday. If he doesn't play it won't matter which Ohio State team shows up - the Buckeyes will win, and the should cover the spread (currently - 22.5). If Sutton does play, he'll make it closer, but not by much.

Northwestern's offense has comparable stats to Ohio State's, but that's not the Wildcats' problem. Their defense has been bending against the likes of Duke, Northeastern and Nevada (370 yards/game allowed) but not breaking (only 17 pts/game against). The only reason they've been able to keep the points down is because they were playing Duke, Northeastern and Nevada. The Wildcat D does not put any pressure on the QB (110th in sacks), does not even get in the backfield (76th in tackles for loss) and does not create many turnovers (+1 in three games). If the Buckeyes bear any resemblance to the 2nd half team that played Washington, they better put new lights in the scoreboard.

Northwestern's offense runs the spread, and I think we've already seen that against Akron (but I don't know for sure because I could not see the game!) I think Washington ran a version of the spread, so I'm not worried about our defense handling that system (unlike Michigan's).

The weather should be great. The only thing to fear is that we have a let down after a relatively "big" game last week. I don't think the team is that good to be that cocky, and I'm sure Tres will remind them of that. So, take OSU and give the 22.5 points.

Ohio State 45-10.