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Ohio State football | Inside the Beat: Will Barrett be given keys to stalled offense?

Dispatch beat writers Bill Rabinowitz and Tim May engage in a give-and-take on Ohio State football.

We knew Northern Illinois is a cut above a typical Mid-American Conference opponent, but did anyone really expect that narrow escape by Ohio State on Saturday? While the defense certainly did its part, the Buckeyes offense was AWOL in the 20-13 victory. Ohio State maintained its hold on its No. 1 ranking -- thank Mississippi for beating Alabama -- but as the Buckeyes turn their attention to another MAC opponent, Western Michigan, the sense of urgency is increasing. The Buckeyes are ranked No.