{
  "id": 19533982,
  "title": "Off-Script Ohio: Previewing Northwestern and looking ahead to the CFP picture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/off-script-ohio-previewing-northwestern-and-looking-ahead-to-the-cfp",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-11T18:31:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/off-script-ohio-previewing-northwestern-183100419.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 7: Bo Jackson of the Ohio State Buckeyes scored a rushing touchdown against the Oregon Ducks in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 7, 2026. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) | Getty Images Ohio State is in need of a win, as they have lost twice in a row to USC and Oregon. Currently sitting at 6-3, the team has dropped to No. 20 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. They will host Northwestern, another 6-3 team, in an attempt to turn things around. Cole and Joey analyze the matchup, discuss Ohio State's chances of securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, and preview other games taking place on the same weekend. Northwestern is struggling after a 24-10 loss to Iowa, their second consecutive defeat. The Wildcats, 6-3 overall and 3-3 in Big Ten play, host Ohio State on Saturday at noon, with the game broadcast on FOX. Northwestern quarterback Nicco Marchiol made his first start against Iowa, completing 24 of 32 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, along with 52 rushing yards. Ohio State needs a much stronger performance, especially following their 41-point loss to Oregon. Cole and Joey break down what Ohio State must do to avoid a third straight loss. Other notable games this weekend include Missouri vs. Georgia, USC vs. Indiana, Michigan vs. Oregon, Utah vs. Arizona, and Texas vs. LSU. Cole and Joey share their thoughts on these matchups and what the outcomes could mean for the national playoff picture. The current College Football Playoff rankings see Georgia at No. 1, with Ohio State at No. 20. Utah, Alabama, UCLA, and Notre Dame round out the top five. Meanwhile, in Ohio State basketball, the team secured an 84-74 victory over Marshall on Monday night, but the win came at a cost. Led by 18 points from John Mobley Jr., Ohio State led by 18 at halftime before falling behind by 47 points in the second half, requiring a last-minute effort to secure the win. The Buckeyes will face UConn on Friday, a game that promises to be a challenging nonconference test.",
  "summary": "Ohio State looks to snap its two-game losing streak against Northwestern, while Cole and Joey discuss the Big Ten title race, the latest playoff rankings and a big test ahead for Buckeyes basketball.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}