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 Yahoo Sports.
The win helped the Buckeyes move to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in Big Ten play, effectively ending a two-game losing streak.
Jeremiah Smith was a standout performer, recording 11 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown.
During the second quarter, Smith surpassed the Big Ten career receiving record previously held by Purdue’s John Standeford.
Smith now holds 3,875 career receiving yards, as noted by reporting from Yahoo Sports.
Running back Bo Jackson also contributed significantly to the offensive effort, rushing for 114 yards and one touchdown.
Northwestern quarterback Nicco Marchiol finished with 225 yards passing and accounted for both of the Wildcats’ touchdowns.
Despite Marchiol’s efforts, the Wildcats fell to 6-4 on the season and suffered their third consecutive loss.
The game remained competitive early, with Northwestern narrowing the deficit to 14-13 following a 2-yard scramble by Marchiol in the third quarter.
Ohio State regained momentum with an 83-yard drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown reception from Devin McCuin.
The Buckeyes’ special teams unit also provided a critical spark when Dalton Riggs recovered a muffed punt by Drew Wagner at the Northwestern 10-yard line.
This turnover set up Smith’s 15th touchdown of the season, which extended the Ohio State lead to two scores.
Historically, Northwestern has struggled in Columbus, as the Wildcats have not won at Ohio Stadium in their last 16 trips.
Their last victory at the venue occurred in 1971, per the game recap.
With this victory, Ohio State maintains its slim hopes for a College Football Playoff berth and a Big Ten title game appearance.
The Buckeyes are scheduled to travel to Nebraska next Saturday, while Northwestern will head to Minnesota for their next matchup.