But No. 2 Ohio State's 38-15 victory in front of 105,751 loud fans at Ohio Stadium was a struggle until two punt plays proved decisive. The Buckeyes capitalized on a fumbled punt snap late in the second quarter to take their first lead, and Caleb Downs returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter.

Ohio State football's offensive line has been scrutinized and in flux nearly all season long. It started from Day 1 of training camp, when coach Ryan Day said members of the offensive line were battling illness,

The Ohio State defense line was disappointing against Northwestern but really showed up today. Jack Sawyer looked like an All-American with 1.5 sacks and four total tackles while J.T. Tuimoloau also looked good with a sack of his own and five total tackles.