Ohio State is a 10.5-point favorite over Northwestern despite losing back-to-back games

David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Posted Sunday, November 8, 2026 10:12 am

Stefan Krajisnik (via Cleveland.com)

Oregon Ducks running back Brandon Smith (26) celebrates with Oregon fans after scoring a TD during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) celebrates the first of his two first quarter TDs during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dakorien Moore (1) hauls in a TD catch in front of Buckeyes defensive back Dominick Kelly (24) during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) is tripped up on a short gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola (8) hands off to Oregon Ducks running back Da'jaun Riggs (21) during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Oregon Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. (6) heads to the end zone for a TD score during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Oregon Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. (6) heads to the end zone for a TD score during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) hauls in a TD pass late in the fourth quarter during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

OSU head coach Ryan Day questions a referee about a call during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) can’t quite reach a pass on a two point play during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

A handful of players from both teams get into a wrestling and pushing match during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) hauls in a 57-yard pass to set up a score during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is tackled by Oregon Ducks defensive back Koi Perich (3) after a short gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) is stopped after a first down catch during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Buckeyes wide receiver Phillip Bell (7) makes a one-handed catch during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Buckeyes linebacker Christian Alliegro (14) trips up Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) gets away from Oregon Ducks defensive back Koi Perich (3) for a first down during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) looks for some running room as he scrambles for a first down during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is tripped up after a short gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Brutus Buckeye breaks through a cloud of smoke as he carries the flag onto the field before the start of the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) is tripped up by Buckeyes safety Earl Little Jr. (1) after a catch during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) unloads a deep pass during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes cornerback Devin Sanchez (6) rides off the field on a cart during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) lays on the turf after being sacked during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

The setting sun lights up a few sections of fans during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes tight end Nate Roberts (83) is tripped up by Oregon Ducks defensive back Ify Obidegwu (7) after a short gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes linebacker Christian Alliegro (14) trips up Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Oregon Ducks linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10) hurdles over Buckeyes wide receiver Phillip Bell (7) on a fake punt play that the Ducks turned into a first down during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes cornerback Jay Timmons (25) can’t quite hang onto a possible interception during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) looks for an open receiver during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes cornerback Jay Timmons (25) reacts after missing an interception for a sure score during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Devin McCuin (3) is dragged down after a short gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) can’t hang onto a pass in the end zone during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) scrambles for a first down during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) is stopped after a long pass catch during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) is tripped up after a short gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) finds a hole in the line for a gain during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes cornerback Jay Timmons (25) and Buckeyes defensive end Eddrick Houston (96) team up to stop Oregon Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. (6) during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) works his way into the end zone for his second TD of the first quarter during the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Oregon won 41-28.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football has lost back-to-back regular season games for the first time since 2011.