Luke Fahey passed for 201 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 21 Ohio State to a 28-19 victory over Northwestern on Saturday, according to reporting from Yahoo Sports.
The Buckeyes improved to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big Ten after rebounding from consecutive regular-season losses, a skid not seen by the program since 2011.
Jeremiah Smith played a pivotal role in the win, recording 11 receptions for 117 yards and a score.
During the second quarter, Smith surpassed Purdue’s John Standeford for the Big Ten career receiving yards record, reaching a total of 3,875 yards.
He also tied the conference mark for 100-yard games with his 17th such performance.
Bo Jackson contributed 114 rushing yards and a touchdown for Ohio State.
Northwestern quarterback Nicco Marchiol threw for 225 yards and accounted for both Wildcats touchdowns in the loss.
The Wildcats fell to 6-4 on the season and have now lost three consecutive games.
Despite a late 18-yard touchdown grab by Luke Dehnicke, the visitors could not overcome the deficit.
Northwestern has not won at Ohio Stadium in 16 attempts, with their last victory at the venue occurring in 1971.
The game featured a critical momentum shift when Dalton Riggs recovered a muffed punt by Drew Wagner at the Northwestern 10-yard line.
Three plays later, Smith caught a 2-yard pass for his 15th touchdown of the season to put the Buckeyes ahead by two scores.
Ohio State maintained its slim hopes for a College Football Playoff berth and a Big Ten title game appearance with the win.
The Buckeyes travel to Nebraska next Saturday, while Northwestern heads to Minnesota.
Kleather kicked two field goals for the Wildcats, but it was not enough to keep pace with the Ohio State offense.
Fahey’s performance was bolstered by Devin McCuin, who secured an 8-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-1 during a pivotal 13-play, 83-yard drive.
The Buckeyes remain focused on their remaining schedule as they attempt to finish the regular season on a high note.