Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 11 on 11/14/2026

Week 11 of the 2026 college football season brings an intriguing matchup between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Both teams enter the game with identical 6-3 records, setting the stage for a competitive contest. The game will be held at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM and broadcasted on FOX.

The Northwestern Wildcats have had a mixed road performance this season, with a 1-2 record away from home. Their recent loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes at home might be a concern as they face a ranked opponent like Ohio State. However, Northwestern's prior victories against teams such as Rutgers and Michigan State show their capability to compete at a high level.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked #21 in the AP Poll, will look to leverage their 4-1 home record to gain an advantage. Despite losses in their last two games, the Buckeyes have demonstrated significant offensive potential, particularly in games like their win over Maryland. This home game presents an opportunity for Ohio State to strengthen their standing in the Big Ten Conference.

Ohio State vs Northwestern At a Glance (Week 11)

• Game Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM
• Venue: Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH
• TV Broadcast: FOX
• Ohio State Record: 6-3 overall, 4-2 in conference
• Northwestern Record: 6-3 overall, 3-3 in conference
• Game Odds: Ohio State favored by 12.5 points

Ohio State Buckeyes Gear Up for Northwestern Showdown

Offensive Overview

Ohio State's offense has been a strong force this season, ranking 8th nationally with 2882 passing yards. However, their rushing attack has shown room for improvement, ranking 75th with 1353 rushing yards. The Buckeyes have secured 219 first downs, placing them 13th in the nation.

Julian Sayin has been pivotal under center, leading the team with 2007 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Sayin is sidelined with an upper-body injury, which will necessitate Luke Fahey stepping up. Fahey has already accumulated 823 passing yards and five touchdowns in his appearances this season.

Defensive Analysis

Defensively, Ohio State has been effective, allowing 165 points against them, ranking 68th. The Buckeyes' pass defense is particularly notable, with 11 sacks, positioning them 26th nationally. Their ability to force turnovers has been critical, with four interceptions and seven fumbles recovered, both ranked 5th.

Ohio State's defensive line will look to pressure Northwestern's offense, leveraging their strength in forcing turnovers. Key players like Deshawn Stewart and Eli Lee are currently questionable, which could impact their defensive depth.

Recent Performance

Ohio State holds a 3-2 record over their last five games, with notable victories against Maryland and Indiana. Their offense shone in the 45-16 victory over Maryland, with a balanced attack yielding 242 passing yards and 207 rushing yards. In contrast, the Buckeyes fell short in recent contests against Oregon and USC.

Their recent 41-28 loss to Oregon showcased their passing prowess, with 360 passing yards, although the defense struggled to contain Oregon's offense. Coach Day will likely focus on improving defensive consistency as they prepare for Northwestern.

Injury Concerns

Injuries are currently a concern for the Buckeyes, with key players like Ja'Kobi Jackson and Julian Sayin sidelined. Jackson's absence leaves Bo Jackson to shoulder the bulk of the rushing duties. Additionally, the availability of receivers Brandon Inniss and Brock Boyd remains uncertain, potentially impacting their aerial attack.

The coaching staff will need to manage these injuries strategically, ensuring depth players are ready to step into larger roles. This week’s practice will be crucial for assessing player readiness and adjusting the game plan accordingly.

Team Betting Trends

• SU - Home Games: 24-2 (92.3%) in last 26 games (2023–2026)
• SU - Totals ≥ 50: 26-4 (86.7%) in last 30 games (2022–2026)
• SU - As Favorite: 23-4 (85.2%) in last 27 games (2024–2026)
• ATS - Home Games: 17-8 (68.0%) in last 25 games (2023–2026)
• O/U - Home Games: 5-0 (100.0%) in last 5 games (2026)

Northwestern Wildcats Prepare for a Showdown Against Ohio State

Team Overview

The Northwestern Wildcats enter the game with a 3-2 record in their last five outings. Their offense has displayed strength with a current rank of 38th in points for, while their defense has held opponents to 174 points this season.

Despite recent losses against Iowa and Oregon, Northwestern's offensive numbers are commendable, ranking 67th in passing yards and 32nd in rushing yards nationally. They will look to capitalize on these strengths against Ohio State.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Aidan Chiles has been a vital component of the Wildcats' offensive strategy, with 202 passing attempts and 1,898 yards in the season. His consistency and decision-making will be crucial in steering Northwestern's offense against a formidable Ohio State defense.

Running back Caleb Komolafe has been effective on the ground, amassing 643 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns. He will play a pivotal role in breaking through Ohio State's defensive line.

Offensive and Defensive Insights

Northwestern's offense ranks 25th in first downs, demonstrating their ability to sustain drives and control the game's tempo. This attribute will be essential in maintaining possession and keeping Ohio State's potent offense off the field.

On the defensive end, Northwestern ranks 23rd in sacks, indicating their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. This pass rush could disrupt Ohio State's passing game and create turnover opportunities.

Injury Concerns

Northwestern faces injury concerns with several key players listed as questionable. Aidan Chiles is dealing with an upper-body issue, and his status will be closely monitored leading up to the game.

Other notable injuries include tight end Chris Petrucci and linebacker Jason Reynolds II, who are both uncertain to participate. Their potential absence could impact the Wildcats' depth and overall game plan.

Betting Trends

• As Favorite: 11-0 in the last 11 games (100.0%)
• O/U Totals ≤ 42: 5-0 in the last 5 games (100.0%)
• After Loss: 11-3-1 in the last 15 games (73.3%)
• As Underdog: 16-11-1 in the last 28 games (57.1%)
• All Games: 11-7 in the last 18 games (61.1%)

Ohio State vs Northwestern Week 11 Prediction: Ohio State -12.5

Ohio State's performance at home has been impressive, boasting a 92.3% win rate over their last 26 home games. Their offense ranks 20th in points scored, and they have a strong passing game that ranks 8th nationally. Given these factors, Ohio State seems well-positioned to cover the spread of -12.5 points against Northwestern.

Northwestern has struggled on the road, with a record of 1-2 away from home this season. Although their defense ranks relatively high in interceptions and fumbles recovered, they have given up a significant 174 points, ranking 71st. Against a potent Ohio State offense, Northwestern may find it difficult to contain the Buckeyes' scoring power.

Ohio State's 17-8 record against the spread in home games since 2023 is another reason to favor them. This trend suggests their ability to perform well and win by large margins, especially after suffering a recent loss. Their history of bouncing back after a defeat further solidifies confidence in them covering the spread.

Given the disparity in team strengths and Ohio State's strong home advantage, a final projected score could look like Ohio State 35 - Northwestern 17. This outcome not only aligns with the spread but also considers both teams' offensive and defensive capabilities.

• Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction: Ohio State -12.5
• Ohio State vs Northwestern Score: Ohio State 35 - Northwestern 17

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