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.

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.