Northwestern Wildcats vs Ohio State Buckeyes Point Spread Picks

Ohio State's offense is incredible but don't overlook this defense. The Buckeyes are sixth in the nation in total yards allowed and 11th in points surrendered (16.9 PPG). It's won't take much to shut down this Northwestern offense that has three quarterbacks who've combined for 10 TDs, 9 INTs, along with a ground attack that averages just 3.1 yards per rush. Northwestern has averaged 13 points over the last five contests and is on a 63-35 run UNDER the total at home, as well as 18-9 UNDER versus teams that average 5.25 or more yards per rush. Take Ohio State/Northwestern UNDER the total.

Northwestern is the surprise participant in the Big 10 Championship game and defense has been a major factor as the Wildcats have allowed an average of only 14.6 points for #3 in the country and they have gone UNDER six of the seven games they have played this season. The Wildcats defeated Illinois 28-10 on Saturday and it went UNDER by 3.5 points and freshman Cam Porter ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns and the Fighting Illini were held to 262 total yards of offense. Northwestern has gone UNDER six of its last seven conference games and this is a high posted total this week due to Ohio State's overpowering offense. However, a closer look and the Buckeyes' opponents have a combined record of 10-19, not counting Indiana. Both teams have stayed UNDER five of their last seven December games and Ohio State is 5-2 UNDER as a neutral-site favorite. Also, the Buckeyes have stayed UNDER six of their last eight versus teams with winning records. Take the UNDER as a Max Play.

Ohio State had the week off after a frontdoor cover against Michigan State. They now face Northwestern, which has held opponents to just 19.8 points per game and that is good for #30 in the country. Now the Wildcats are getting four touchdowns in this matchup. Northwestern held undefeated Wisconsin to 24 points and then barely lost 13-10 at Nebraska while racking up 157 yards on the ground and being outgained only 319-293. Aidan Smith went 19-of-32 for 136 yards with an interception and rushed for 64 yards. Northwestern easily covered against Wisconsin and then got the money as a 7.5-point underdog versus the Cornhuskers. The Buckeyes are 3-7 ATS their last 10 games against teams with losing records and the Wildcats are 6-1-1 ATS their last eight October games and 22-7-1 ATS their last 30 conference games. Also, Northwestern has covered the spread six of its last seven following a loss. Look for the Wildcats to stay within the big number and play Northwestern.