Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald looked a little punch-drunk. Asked about the adjustments Ohio State made or the surprises it threw at the Wildcats' defense while the Buckeyes were racking up 52 points and 7.6 yards per play, Fitzgerald interrupted and said, simply, "No, I think they're really good."
Northwestern came into Friday night's battle with the Buckeyes ranked eighth in defensive SP+. The Wildcats did force three first-half three-and-outs, which is an accomplishment in and of itself. Unfortunately, between those three-and-outs came four touchdowns and, to add insult to injury, a 55-yard field goal by Blake Haubeil to end the first half.