The Ohio State Buckeyes are in must-win mode against Northwestern this weekend after dropping two straight games against USC and Oregon. 

Since Julian Sayin’s season-ending injury against Indiana, the Buckeyes’ season has all but fallen completely apart. Ohio State has lost two straight games in the regular season for the first time since 2011, and Ryan Day has lost three games in a season for the first time as a head coach.

This is a solid Wildcats team coming to Columbus on Saturday. Here’s how we see it playing out: 

Ohio State 27, Northwestern 20

Ohio State has to stop the bleeding after a couple of losses in a row. Another loss would end their chances at a College Football Playoff appearance, and those odds are a long shot already. According to the A to Z Sports College Football Playoff Predictor, Ohio State has a 26 percent chance to make the field. A win over Northwestern would take them to a 34 percent chance, while a loss would drop them to less than 1 percent chance. It’s a battle against former Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, and all eyes will be on Matt Patricia’s defense. 

After back-to-back bad performances, I think the defense for the Buckeyes steps up. The offense will give glimpses of what it can be with Fahey in spurts, while leaving frustration in other spots. I expect it to be a big game for Jeremiah Smith, and the Buckeyes get their first win since Indiana by a score. — Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Ohio State 28, Northwestern 17

I have Ohio State picking up a 28-17 win over Northwestern in a game where the Buckeyes rely on their physicality to control the tempo. Northwestern seems to be losing some of the sizzle it had earlier in the season, and I have a hard time seeing the Wildcats consistently matching up with Ohio State’s talent. The Buckeyes should be able to dictate things up front, establish the run, and keep Northwestern’s offense on the sideline. I don’t expect a dominant offensive performance, but Ohio State should have enough opportunities to put points on the board.

Bo Jackson and the running game will be the biggest factors in this victory. Rather than asking the passing game to carry the offense, I expect the Buckeyes to lean on their ground attack and wear down Northwestern as the game progresses. Jackson should be able to find running room, help Ohio State control the clock, and take some pressure off the passing game. Northwestern hangs around for a while, but the Buckeyes’ talent and ability to control the line of scrimmage eventually create some separation. — Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Ohio State 27, Northwestern 24

This game would be a lot more fun if Northwestern hadn’t lost its last two games and Julian Sayin were still healthy, but it should still be fun to watch Chip Kelly face off against Matt Patricia. Oddly enough, both teams are on a two-game losing streak, with one of them coming to the Oregon Ducks.

Kelly has done a phenomenal job crafting an explosive run game paired with an efficient passing game. Is that enough to overcome an Ohio State defense that has been overall excellent this year? This could be the get-right game for Luke Fahey. — Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida 

Ohio State 30, Northwestern 15

I know both teams are 6-3, and Ohio State has been reeling lately, but I don’t see this game being close. Northwestern has done a good job running the football this season, and Chip Kelly will be looking to show how much the Buckeyes miss him, but the Wildcats don’t have enough juice to get the job done. Not to mention, the heat is reaching an all-time high when it comes to Ryan Day. The last time it was like this, he won a national championship. 

It will be hard to replicate that success this season, but I think it’s fair to say that Day needs to win out to feel good about his standing heading into 2027, and dropping a game as a double-digit favorite would all but seal his fate. — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Ohio State 17, Northwestern 14

The availability report doesn’t look good for the Buckeyes. Even so, there’s not much reason they should lose this game. They are still the far more talented roster. And this is a good way to bounce back after last week, which Ohio State really needs if they want to keep their CFP hopes alive. I can see this game being a slugfest and mostly defense. Northwestern’s no slouch, but as we already mentioned, this is an Ohio State team that has plenty of talent outside of the guys we all know and love. Ryan Day needs this win. — Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Ohio State 27, Northwestern 20

It’s odd seeing Ohio State all but out of the playoff with the talent in that roster, but that’s basically the case after a 41-28 loss to Oregon last week. Northwestern is skidding themselves after a two-game losing streak. And Wildcats QB Aidan Chiles’ status is iffy for the contest.

Last week against Iowa, NW’s offense was held in check with Nicco Marchiol under center, generating just 286 total yards. I have my doubts about the Wildcats’ offense against a good Ohio State defense even with a less than 100% Chiles back. I’ll lean Buckeyes here. — Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami