It was an electric atmosphere at Northwestern’s Ryan Field. The nationally broadcast game featured big plays, heroes, and goats.
Ohio State and Northwestern engaged in a battle of the run until the end. Carlos Hyde proved the point with 26 rushing attempts, 168 yards, and three touchdowns. Northwestern showed no ability to stop him. Braxton Miller also torched the Wildcat defense with his legs, running for 68 yards. Urban Meyer said, “He’s the horse.” “We toughed out a win.”
The Buckeyes also had success through the air as Miller passed for 203 yards. He did not pass for a touchdown. He fumbled the ball away twice. Meyer said, “I think he’s lose with the ball.” Meyer promised to have Miller correct that.
The Buckeyes had a solid first quarter, ending it with a 10-7 lead. However, Northwestern fired back in the second quarter.Quarterback Kain Colter scored a two yard rushing touchdown. Northwestern took a 14 to 10 lead. Ohio State kicker Drew Basil kicked a 23 yard field goal. That was Ohio State’s only score in the second quarter. Jeff Budzien kicked two field goals for Northwestern. The Wildcats held onto a small lead at halftime 20-13.
The second half kept fans on both sides on the edge of their seats. Northwestern struck first in the third quarter with a 32 yard field goal. The Wildcats led 23-13. The Buckeyes were determined to fight back as Hyde scored on a 4 yard rushing touchdown.
The Buckeyes trailed 23-20 going into the 4th quarter. Then Carlos Hyde struck again with a 2 yard touchdown run, giving Ohio State the 27-23 lead. Northwestern responded as Trevor Siemien threw a 12 yard touchdown pass to Cameron Dickerson. Hyde did not give in to defeat as he put Ohio State back on top with a seven yard touchdown run. Ohio State led 34-30. Siemien performed admirably for the Wildcats, throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns.
Northwestern’s last ditch effort was true gift to behold. Instead of an improbable score, Northwestern coughed the ball up in the end zone as the Wildcats were shoveling the ball side to side and back and forth in a desperate attempt. The Buckeyes recovered the ball for a touchdown.
The Buckeyes won their biggest test of the season 40-30 over Northwestern in Evanston.