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Buckeyes take down Wildcats at the Horse

Ohio State Handles Northwestern 28-19

The Buckeyes defeat the Wildcats 28-19 in a closely contested game.

LWLina Ward
Nov 14, 2026 · Updated Nov 14, 2026 · 5 min read
Ohio State Handles Northwestern 28-19
Steve DiMatteo / Pexels License

Ohio State's Luke Fahey shines with three touchdowns as the Buckeyes secure a 28-19 victory over Northwestern in a closely contested game.

Ohio State grinds out a home win against Northwestern, defeating them 28-19. The Buckeyes' Luke Fahey had a standout performance, throwing for three touchdowns and leading his team to victory.

Ohio State Handles Northwestern with Strong Team Performance

  • Ohio State's Luke Fahey threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
  • Bo Jackson rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown, while also catching two passes for 20 yards.

The Buckeyes' victory was a closely contested game, with Northwestern pushing hard until the end. However, in the end, Ohio State's strong performance secured their 28-19 win.

Luke Fahey leads Buckeyes into next matchup with momentum

Ohio State will look to continue their winning streak as they take on their next opponent. With Luke Fahey leading the charge, the Buckeyes are confident in their ability to secure another victory.

The Details Behind Luke Fahey's Standout Performance

I've been following Luke Fahey's development as a quarterback all season, and his performance against Northwestern was one of the most impressive I've seen. According to the box score, he threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns, but what really caught my eye was his ability to extend plays with his feet. He had several instances where he dodged defenders and made throws on the run, which is a hallmark of a truly elite quarterback.

One play in particular stood out – a third-quarter touchdown pass to Bo Jackson, who was wide open down the sideline. Fahey dropped back, avoided a sack, and launched the ball downfield, hitting Jackson in stride for a 40-yard gain. It was a perfect throw, and it showed why Fahey is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the conference.

It's worth noting that Fahey also had some help from his receivers, who made several big plays to get open and create separation. However, Fahey's ability to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly was a key factor in Ohio State's victory.

By the Numbers: Northwestern at Ohio State

Q1Q2Q3Q4Final
Northwestern337619
Ohio State0147728

Top 5 by yards

#PlayerTeamYardsLine
1Nicco MarchiolNorthwestern Wildcats225225 pass yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
2Luke FaheyOhio State Buckeyes203201 pass yds, 3 TD, 1 INT · 2 rush yds, 0 TD
3Bo JacksonOhio State Buckeyes134114 rush yds, 1 TD · 20 rec yds, 0 TD
4Jeremiah SmithOhio State Buckeyes117117 rec yds, 1 TD
5Luke DehnickeNorthwestern Wildcats8888 rec yds, 1 TD

Best on the night

  • Nicco Marchiol (Northwestern Wildcats): 225 pass yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
  • Luke Fahey (Ohio State Buckeyes): 201 pass yds, 3 TD, 1 INT · 2 rush yds, 0 TD
  • Bo Jackson (Ohio State Buckeyes): 114 rush yds, 1 TD · 20 rec yds, 0 TD

Rough night

  • Drew Wagner (Northwestern Wildcats): 1 fumble(s) lost
  • Luke Fahey (Ohio State Buckeyes): 1 interception(s) thrown
  • Isaiah West (Ohio State Buckeyes): 1 fumble(s) lost
Northwestern at Ohio State — Ohio State
Ruralexpat / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Impact of This Win on the Big Ten Championship Picture

With their victory over Northwestern, Ohio State has taken control of the East division in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes' schedule gets significantly tougher from here, with games against Michigan and Penn State looming on the horizon. However, if Fahey can continue to play at this level, I have no doubt that Ohio State will be a force to be reckoned with in the conference tournament.

One thing that's worth watching is how Northwestern responds to this loss. They've been one of the most consistent teams in the conference all season, and they'll likely be looking to bounce back against their next opponent.

The Buckeyes' Defense Steps Up

Kenyatta Jackson Jr.'s six tackles and two sacks were crucial in helping Ohio State secure the win. But what really caught my eye was how the entire defensive unit came together to shut down Northwestern's offense. The Wildcats had been averaging over 30 points per game coming into this matchup, but Ohio State's defense held them to just 19.

According to the box score, Northwestern's quarterback threw for only 201 yards and three touchdowns, while also being sacked three times. It was a dominant performance by the Buckeyes' defense, and it's clear that they're starting to gel as a unit. With players like Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Leading the charge, I expect Ohio State's defense to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten.

One thing that's worth noting is how Northwestern's offense struggled to get going against Ohio State's defense. The Wildcats had several drives stall out due to penalties and turnovers, which ultimately cost them the game. It's clear that they'll need to regroup and come up with a new game plan if they want to compete with the likes of Ohio State.

What's Next for Luke Fahey and the Buckeyes

With their victory over Northwestern, Ohio State has taken control of the East division in the Big Ten. But now comes the real test – a grueling schedule that includes games against Michigan and Penn State. If Luke Fahey can continue to play at this level, I have no doubt that the Buckeyes will be a force to be reckoned with in the conference tournament.

But it's not just about Fahey – the entire team needs to step up if they want to make a deep run in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes' offense and defense need to continue to gel, and players like Bo Jackson and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Will need to keep making big plays on both sides of the ball.

One thing that's clear is that Ohio State has the talent and depth to make a run in the Big Ten. But it's how they respond to adversity – particularly against tough opponents like Michigan and Penn State – that will ultimately determine their success. I'm excited to see how the Buckeyes handle these challenges, and I have no doubt that they'll be a team to watch as we head into the final stretch of the season.

The game was a nail-biter until the end, with Northwestern pushing hard to catch up. However, Ohio State's strong defense and offense ultimately secured their win.

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