Wildcats come up empty, Ohio State pulls away with Big Ten crown
INDIANAPOLIS — Dwayne Haskins added 5 more touchdown passes to his single-season record Saturday and No. 6 Ohio State relied on its staunch defense to hold off a second-half charge from No. 21 Northwestern for a 45-24 victory to claim its second straight Big Ten championship.
The Buckeyes (12-1, 9-1 Big Ten, No. 6 CFP) won their third title in five years and their fifth consecutive game, giving the Buckeyes a chance to lobby for a spot in the four-team College Football Playoff.
“I think all you have to do is look is at the body of work,” coach Urban Meyer said. “We went on the road and had some tough games against TCU, Penn State and Michigan State. The way we played against our rival (Michigan) and the way we played tonight, I think we deserve a shot.”
Haskins also made his case for Heisman Trophy voters. He finished 34 of 41 with 499 yards and one interception. He was named the game's MVP after topping the 400-yard mark for the fifth time this season.
“It's a quarterback's dream not only to have great receivers, but a great offensive line, great running backs and great tight ends,” Haskins said.
Clayton Thorson went 27 of 44 with 267 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions as he helped Northwestern trim a 24-7 halftime deficit to 24-21 midway through the third quarter. The Wildcats (8-5, 8-2) couldn't get any closer, though, as they lost only their second conference contest in their last 17 league games.
“I tip my hat to coach Meyer, his staff and their players — they're Big Ten champs for a reason,” Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said.
It turned out to be a more intriguing game than many expected, especially after the Buckeyes' fast start.
Haskins eluded a couple of defenders on third-and-11, buying just enough time to find Terry McLaurin for a 16-yard TD pass on the game's opening possession.
Northwestern tied the score when little-used running back John Moten IV outran Ohio State's defense for a 77-yard scoring run. It matched Ohio State's J.K. Dobbins for the second-longest run in title game history. Dobbins had a 77-yard run in last year's title game.
Then the Buckeyes answered with what appeared to be knockout flurry. Dobbins scored on a 2-yard run, Blake Haubeil made a 42-yard field goal and McLaurin caught a 42-yard TD pass from Haskins to make it 24-7 at the half.
The Wildcats opened the second half with Thorson's 18-yard scoring run and made it 24-21 when he found Cameron Green on a 2-yard TD pass with 8:03 left in the third quarter.
After Haskins connected with Chris Olave for a 29-yard TD pass, Charlie Kuhbander made a 21-yard field goal to get the Wildcats within 31-24 with 10:34 to go.
But Haskins sealed it with two more TD passes — a 9-yarder to Johnnie Dixon and a 17-yarder to Olave.
The takeaway
Northwestern: The ascending Wildcats showed some grit after an abysmal start, which could have buried them. Instead, they fought their way back into contention and gave themselves a shot. Now they'll wait to find out when and where they'll get another chance to shine under the bright lights.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes' performance was reflective of this season. They played like one of the nation's top teams in a dominant first half and when they were in closeout mode late. In between, they put on a mystifying performance. Eventually, Haskins closed out the win that will likely send them to the Rose Bowl.
Stat pack
Northwestern: Moten had four carries for 76 yards and Isaiah Bowser wound up with 13 carries for 60 yards. ... Thorson made his 52nd career start, a Big Ten record. ... Fred Wyatt blocked an Ohio State field goal.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes forced (three) turnovers. ... Dixon had seven catches for 129 yards, Parris Campbell had seven catches for 89 yards, Olave finished with five for 79 and McLaurin had three receptions for 78 yards. ... Dobbins ran 17 times for 68 yards and became the first player in school history to record 1,000-yard rushing seasons as both a freshman and sophomore. He also caught four passes for 50 yards and one TD.
Up next
Northwestern: The Big Ten runners-up will wait to find out who and where they play.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes are hoping the selection committee gives them a shot in the playoff, knowing their more likely destination may be the Rose Bowl.