Buckeyes hold off Wildcats

INDIANAPOLIS — Dwayne Haskins added five touchdown passes to his singleseason record Saturday and No. 6 Ohio State relied on its staunch defense to hold off a second-half charge from No. 21 Northwestern for a 45-24 victory to claim its second straight Big Ten championship.

The Buckeyes (12-1, 9-1 Big Ten, No. 6 CFP) won their third title in five years and their fifth consecutive game, giving the Buckeyes a chance to lobby for a spot in the four-team College Football Playoff.

“I think all you have to do is look is at the body of work,” coach Urban Meyer said. “We went on the road and had some tough games against TCU, Penn State and Michigan State. The way we played against our rival (Michigan) and the way we played tonight, I think we deserve a shot.”

Haskins also made his case for Heisman Trophy voters. He finished 34 of 41 with 499 yards and one interception. He was named the game’s MVP after topping the 400yard mark for the fifth time this season.

“It’s a quarterback’s dream not only to have great receivers, but a great offensive line, great running backs and great tight ends,” Haskins said.

CLEMSON ROLLS PITT

Travis Etienne ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns, Trevor Lawrence threw two short scoring passes to Tee Higgins and No. 2 Clemson beat Pitt, 42-10, on Saturday night to become the first team to win four straight Atlantic Coast Conference championships.

Clemson (13-0, CFP No. 2) is expected to face thirdranked Notre Dame, which was idle Saturday, in the College Football Playoffs on Dec. 29.