Ohio State football vs. Northwestern score predictions: The Buckeyes take over Wrigley Field

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The last time Ohio State faced Northwestern on the road, it led to a windy day that forced both teams to toss their offensive gameplans.

The Buckeyes won't have to worry about 70 miles-per-hour wins this time around but they'll still need to adjust to a new environment thanks to the game being played at Wrigley Field. But that should be the only true obstacle on Saturday.

This weekend should be viewed as a final time for OSU to experiment with new ideas while fine-tuning a few areas that still have questions. It'll do so while having the chance to pick its score against another outmatched opponent. The last two weeks have been a chance for this team to come up for air and reevaluate where it stands before getting back into the thick of things next week.

Ohio State is a 28.5-point favorite against Northwestern. Here's how we predict the game to go.

Stephen MeansOhio State 41, Northwestern 3

The Buckeyes might look to throw a few early haymakers and get their starters out as quickly as possible. The last thing they need is any funny business this week given what awaits them over the next few weeks. Northwestern isn't as incompetent on both sides of the ball as Purdue is. But its chances of actually slowing Ohio State down on Saturday are just as low.

It's a cool experience playing a football field in a historical baseball stadium. It's even cooler if you get out just as healthy as you were when you arrived. That's the main priority for OSU.

Game pick: Ohio State -28.5 (10 Buckeye Talk Tokens)

Over/under: Over 43.5 (1 BTT)

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Stefan KrajisnikOhio State 41, Northwestern 6

Another week, another tune-up for the most important stretch of Ohio State's season. Northwestern should provide no issue for Ohio State, just like last week's game against Purdue.

I expect the Buckeyes' offense to be aggressive early. With Ohio State jumping ahead by multiple scores in the first quarter, the backups will get plenty of reps.

The starters will get a chance to rest up before facing Indiana and Michigan.

Game pick: Ohio State -28.5 (5 BTT)

Over/under: Over 43.5 (5 BTT)

Record:

Against the spread:

Over/under record:

Tokens left: 100

Andrew GillisOhio State 41, No 3

Ohio State is going to boat race Northwestern.

The Wildcats have one of the worst offenses in the FBS, and it's hard to imagine them doing any sort of damage to the Buckeyes' stout defense. Ohio State is going to be able to freely substitute players throughout the game, and continue experimentation on the defensive side of the ball.

Don't expect a hangover headed into Indiana next week with Michigan to follow. This one should be a blowout at Wrigley Field, setting Ohio State up for the stretch run it was hoping for.

Game pick: Ohio State -28.5 (20 BTT)

Over/under: Over 43.5 (2 BTT)

Record:

Against the spread:

Over/under record: