CHICAGO – College football meets one of America’s most historic ballparks as No. 2 Ohio State clashes with Northwestern at Wrigley Field today – Saturday, November 16 – in Chicago, Illinois. This game can be viewed for free on multiple streaming services.

This Big Ten matchup will air live at 12:00 PM Eastern (11:00 AM Central) on the Big Ten Network. Fans without cable can watch the game for free via FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, both of which offer free trials. FuboTV also offers $20 off your first month.

Another option is Sling, which has promotional offers for new customers. To watch the Big Ten Network, you must add the Sports Extra package to Sling Blue or the combined Sling Orange & Blue plan. The Big Ten Network is not included in the Sports Extra package in Sling Orange.

Want to see the Buckeyes live? Buy tickets to this game or any Ohio State football game this season.

In their last conference win, the Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) defeated Purdue 45-0 on Nov. 9. It was the first Big Ten shutout for Ohio State since 2017.

Ohio State, ranked No. 2 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, still trails undefeated Oregon and Indiana. Next weekend they face the latter in an unexpectedly big showdown.

The Buckeyes own the nation’s largest margin of victory per game this season, outscoring their opponents by 27.9 points. They rank fifth in total yards and fifth in yards per play.

The Buckeyes are averaging 38 points per game against the Wildcats.

Ohio State is led by senior quarterback Will Howard, who has amassed 2,237 yards and 22 touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. His QBR of 83.7 is the seventh highest in the country as he completes 74% of his passes. Howard also has 122 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith is one of his many weapons in the receiving core. Smith has racked up 45 receptions for 765 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per reception.

Senior Emeka Egbuka tallies 47 receptions for 587 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 12.5 yards per reception. Sophomore Carnell Tate has packed a punch with 27 receptions for 405 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 15 yards per reception.

Behind a thriving offensive line, Ohio State’s high-powered run game rolls along with the thunder and lightning combination of junior Quinshon Judkins and senior TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins has collected 106 carries for 647 yards and six touchdowns, while Henderson has collected 78 carries for 588 yards and five touchdowns.

Ohio State has the second overall scoring defense, allowing 10.7 points per game and the fewest first downs per game in the country. They once allowed more than 17 points, and that was to top-ranked Oregon. The Buckeyes’ run defense ranks fifth in the nation.

Senior safety Lathan Ransom has been a threat this season. He has recorded 22 solo tackles, including two forced fumbles and one interception. Sophomore safety Caleb Downs has also earned national recognition, with 24 solo tackles and three pass deflections.

The very first meeting was a 58-0 win for the Buckeyes in 1913. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 65-14-1. The Buckeyes have won 10 straight meetings, including 34 of the last 35 against the Wildcats.

Watch Ohio State vs. Northwestern free on FuboTV

After an overtime win over Purdue two weeks ago, the Wildcats (4-5, 2-4) are still in the hunt for a bowl game, but they will need to win two of their final three games. After the Buckeyes, Northwestern will face Michigan on the road and Illinois at home.

Northwestern ranks 126th nationally in scoring and 129th in total offense as they have been climbing uphill all season. They have again scored over 30 points in the FBS league (Maryland) and average 19 points per game.

The Wildcats have struggled on third downs and have an inept passing game (119th in the nation). The run game isn’t bad, but it faces a huge challenge against defensive players like Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. The former scored his first career touchdown last week.

Sophomore quarterback Jack Lausch has racked up 1,120 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 312 rushing yards and one score on the ground. Lausch has failed to pass for at least 100 yards in three starts and is completing just 54% of his passes.

Senior receiver Bryce Kirtz is their biggest threat down the field, with 27 receptions for 414 yards. He averages 15.3 yards per reception. Kirtz missed the last game against Purdue and is questionable.

The versatile rushing attack is ready for their toughest test of the year. Senior Cam Porter has racked up 97 carries for 387 yards and six touchdowns, while sophomore Joe Himon II has racked up 44 carries for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, junior defenseman Theran Johnson is one of the stingiest in the Big Ten. He has 34 solo tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass deflections. Senior linebacker Xander Mueller could also be crucial in helping turn the momentum around. He has 23 solo tackles and one sack. Mueller also missed the Purdue game and is questionable.

The Wildcats defense is strong, allowing just over 100 yards per game, but will flex with the firepower of Ohio State’s backfield.

Northwestern can gain some momentum by letting Ohio State turn the ball over. That was the recipe for keeping OSU games close initially. The Wildcats thrived on four takeaways from Maryland, though they came very few between Northwestern this campaign. Ohio State has turned the ball over multiple times in four of its last seven games.

The historic meeting also serves as Northwestern’s home game.

Watch Ohio State vs. Northwestern Free on DirecTV Stream

Who announces Ohio State vs. Northwestern on?

Jeff Levering (play-by-play) and Jake Butt (analyst) will be the announcers, with Brooke Fletcher reporting from the sidelines.

What are the latest odds for Ohio State vs. Northwestern?

Spread: OSU: (-28), NU: (+28)

Moneyline: N/A

Total points: 43.5

Odds from DraftKings

Here’s more information on how to watch this game on TV and streaming services.

What: College football: Ohio State vs. Northwestern

When: Saturday November 16, 2024

Time: Afternoon East (11 a.m. Central)

Where: Wrigley Field | Chicago, Ill

Channel: Big Ten Network

Best Streaming Options: FuboTV (free trial and $20 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial), and Sling (half off first month)

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