Ohio State Defeats Northwestern 28-19 to End Losing Streak

Luke Fahey threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns, and Bo Jackson ran for 114 yards and a score as Ohio State defeated Northwestern 28-19. The Buckeyes improved to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big Ten, ending a run of two straight regular-season losses—their first such stretch since 2011.

Northwestern quarterback Nicco Marchiol passed for 225 yards and accounted for both of the Wildcats’ touchdowns. His two-yard run brought Northwestern within 14-13 with 10:01 left in the third quarter. Ohio State answered with an 83-yard drive, capped by Devin McCuin’s eight-yard touchdown catch on fourth-and-1.

A muffed punt by Drew Wagner, recovered by Dalton Riggs at Northwestern’s 10-yard line, set up Smith’s two-yard touchdown catch. Smith finished with 117 receiving yards and 11 catches. His career total of 3,875 receiving yards moved him past Purdue’s John Standeford for the Big Ten record. Smith also tied David Bell and Braylon Edwards with his 17th game of at least 100 receiving yards.

Northwestern fell to 6-4 overall and 3-4 in the conference, its third consecutive loss. The Wildcats have not won at Ohio Stadium in 16 visits; their last victory there was in 1971. Ohio State remained in contention for a national playoff berth and the Big Ten championship.

Northwestern visits Minnesota next Saturday, while Ohio State travels to Nebraska.