Northwestern Wildcats vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction & Odds – November 14, 2026

Northwestern and Ohio State enter their meeting at Ohio Stadium with identical 6-3 records, but different strengths. The Wildcats bring a balanced offense to Columbus against a Buckeyes defense that has been especially firm against the run.

Game details and odds

Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST · Ohio Stadium

Total: 44.5 — over -105, under -115.

Draft Kings odds checked November 12, 2026 13:01 UTC. Odds subject to change.

Northwestern’s balance faces a tougher rushing test

Northwestern averages 31.0 points and 421.2 yards per game, with 190.2 yards coming on the ground. Caleb Komolafe has 643 rushing yards, while Aidan Chiles has thrown for 1,898 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception. That balance gives the Wildcats more than one route to move the ball.

The Wildcats’ recent results show both the appeal and the limits of that offense. They scored 45 against Ball State and 42 against Rutgers, then won 24-21 at Michigan State. The next two games were losses: Northwestern scored 26 at Oregon but allowed 34, then managed just 10 in a 24-10 home defeat to Iowa. Their ability to produce away from home has not disappeared, but the Iowa result raises a timely question about how consistently they can sustain drives against a demanding opponent.

Ohio State looks to restore its scoring pace

Ohio State averages 35.7 points and 467.9 yards per game, including 320.2 through the air. Julian Sayin has thrown 19 touchdown passes, and Jeremiah Smith has 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, the Buckeyes allow 97.1 rushing yards per game, making Northwestern’s ground production a central matchup question.

The Buckeyes’ last five completed games tell a less steady story than their biggest scores might suggest. They beat Iowa 31-14, handled Maryland 45-16 and edged Indiana 19-15 on the road. Since then, Ohio State has lost 30-18 at USC and 41-28 at home to Oregon. Those defeats put the focus on both sides of the ball: the Buckeyes have not reached 30 points in either loss, and Oregon posted the highest total by any opponent in this five-game stretch. A response is possible, but it is not automatic.

Injury news

Northwestern Wildcats: No player statuses returned in the latest check..

Ohio State Buckeyes: No player statuses returned in the latest check..

Availability checked November 12, 2026 13:01 UTC. Reported statuses may change; final lineups are not confirmed here.

BTB Betting Pick

Winner pick: Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ohio State’s passing production and run defense offer the clearer matchup edge. The pick is tempered by consecutive Buckeyes losses and Northwestern’s earlier road win at Michigan State, which showed its capacity to compete away.

Original winner pick recorded November 12, 2026 07:01 UTC. Subsequent updates retain that selection.