It’s Wednesday again, so it must be time for a game preview. This week, the Buckeyes travel to Evanston, Illinois to battle the Northwestern Wildcats.

Had we not seen the lackluster second half from the Bucks in Champaign last week, I’d think this would have the potential to be a pretty competitive game. But, we did see that performance and I think the ‘Cats will be front and center in the players and coaches minds.

The case for a Wildcat upset of #1 OSU: First, the last couple of weeks, the intensity and quality of play have increased dramatically with a closer than the score would indicate 17-3 loss at Michigan and an upset win 21-7 at Iowa last week. The play of both the offense and defense has elevated in the last few weeks of the season, as a coach would hope. Second, this is a home game for NU with all the weather that the Chicago area can bring to bear, fan support, and recent history, NU upset OSU 33-27 in 2004. Both teams are a little banged up, injuries could play a part in this contest. Finally, there are a number of NU players who wanted to play for the Bucks but weren’t recruited (Tyrell Sutton, star TB comes to mind) who have a little chip on the shoulder about this game.

The case for a Buckeye win: First, focus and desire. This team will be so sick of hearing about the 2004 NU upset, their poor play in the second half of last week, and how NU upset Iowa they won’t mess about, they’ll come out fired up and firing. Second, depth. The main thing that distinguishes an OSU from an NU is depth. 1st team to 1st team, there is some difference, but not as much as you might think. But being able to rotate in the 2nd and 3rd team players situationally allows a team like the Bucks to wear out the opposition. This late in the season, it does make a difference. Third, team speed. This team is flat out fast and I expect that to be on full display this weekend. Finally, history. The Bucks have lost only 3 times in the last 50 years to the Wildcats, 2004, 1971, and 1958. The Buckeyes lead the series 56-14-1.

The verdict: Expect a strong showing by a team with wounded pride, a business like 38-7 OSU victory. Vegas has OSU as 24 point favorites.

10 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 10-0 Next up: at Northwestern 11/11
Tune: Roll on by The Little Willies
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Northwestern | Football | Mike Harding Blog