Northwestern had just kicked a field goal to cut Ohio State's lead to four. Urban Meyer's offense was doing nothing and boos were cascading throughout Ohio Stadium.
With 3:31 remaining, the Buckeyes needed a drive to put the game away. Ohio State converted a 3rd-and-8 on their own 27 to keep the drive going, but two plays later, ran into another 3rd-and-long. Stumble here and the Wildcats offense – which had carved up the Buckeye secondary for most of the afternoon – would be back on the field, with plenty of time to score and steal an upset.