College Football 2020: 5 bold predictions for Championship Weekend

1. Ohio State will struggle in win over Northwestern

Among one of the key games of the week is the important 2020 Big Ten Championship as No. 4 Ohio State (5-0) will defend its crown against the Northwestern Wildcats (6-1).

The Big Ten made it clear that any team that does not have at least six games under their belt this season will not be eligible for the conference championship game. That was the case unless that team is Ohio State which needs a win to solidify its fourth trip to the College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes are coming into this game as a 20-point favorite over the Wildcats, who have played a solid season excluding the embarrassing 29-20 loss to the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing.

Ohio State has one of the most productive offenses in the nation as they are efficient in the passing and run games. The Buckeyes are ranked fourth in the nation in points per game (46.6) and sixth in total yards per game (516.4).

While the Wildcats are not as productive as the Buckeyes’ offense, they have one of the most efficient defenses in the Big Ten. Northwestern’s defense ranks second in the nation (first in the Big Ten) in points allowed per game (14.6). They are also ranked 16th in total yards allowed per game (302.1) as they well equipped to stopping the run and passing games. This is a defense that can force turnovers as they have 12 interceptions and recovered four fumbles in seven games.

Finally, the Wildcats’ defense allows a third-down conversion rate of 30 percent (34-of-110).

If the Wildcats can force the Buckeyes to commit turnovers, they might have some more luck in getting to the endzone. This is will be a big game for Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields as he will need to be more careful than explosive with the football.

The Buckeyes will win this game but it will not be by 20 points, but more likely by 10 if Northwestern can drive the ball down the field consistently.