Wildcats face their toughest task

Embrace creativity: Northwestern doesn’t have the talent to go toe-to-toe in an offensive shootout, so it will need to think outside the box to get inside the end zone. Trick plays and other forms of creativity have bothered the Buckeyes this season, and it may be the Wildcats’ only chance.

Make Fields uncomfortable. Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields on Tuesday was named the Big Ten’s offensive player of the year, and with reason. But Fields has played against only one team all year with a winning record, and in that game, against Indiana, he threw three interceptions. (Yes, he also passed for 300 yards against the Hoosiers, with two TDs, in OSU’s 42-35 victory.)

Northwestern has a talented secondary and ranks second in the Big Ten with 12 interceptions. But the Wildcats are middle of the pack with only 10 sacks, and pressure against Fields may be a difference-maker.

Keys for Ohio State

Focus on the task. Ohio State caught flak when the Big Ten amended its preseason rules requiring six games to make the league championship game, but it’s not like the conference and its membership won’t benefit if the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff; indeed they will. That is all noise, however, and means nothing if Ohio State doesn’t take advantage of its talent edge against a stingy Northwestern team.

Stay patient. Big Ten quarterbacks including Taulia Tagovailoa of Maryland and Graham Mertz of Wisconsin have turned in some outstanding performances this season, but not against Northwestern. The Wildcats have a legitimate lockdown defense, ranking second nationally and first in the Big Ten in scoring defense and second in the conference in pass defense (192 yards per game).

Ohio State’s offense, though, has torched teams all season. Its season-low total is 491 yards, in the opener against Nebraska, and the Buckeyes rang up 607 yards on the best team they faced, Indiana.

Prediction

Ohio State 45, Northwestern 20. The Buckeyes have an advantage in skill and speed across the board, and usually that means the only way they can be had is if they commit costly turnovers.

Northwestern can certainly force those, but it’s hard to fathom the Wildcats have enough firepower to keep answering Ohio State’s offense.

Plus, OSU knows this is essentially its first playoff game.

JOSHUA A. BICKEL/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Justin Fields has been Ohio State’s most dynamic player. But the junior has a tendency to try to make big plays when nothing is available, which can put the Buckeyes in a vulnerable position.