Ohio State football vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Halftime Observations

The Ohio State Buckeyes gather at midfield for the quick cals drill prior to the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

The Ohio State Buckeyes gather at midfield for the quick cals drill prior to the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

Ohio State football is currently in a Big Ten matchup with Northwestern Wildcats and heading into halftime with a healthy 21-7 lead. After an alarming and scoreless first quarter, the Buckeyes seem to have found their groove, reaching the end zone three times in the second quarter.

A few players have really stood out, including quarterback Will Howard, who will go into the half and complete nine of his 14 pass attempts for 138 yards and a touchdown. TreVeyon Henderson is currently the leading rusher with seven carries for 35 yards, but Quinshon Judkins is the runner with two touchdowns.

As expected, Carnell Tate made the most of his homecoming as the current leading receiver for OSU with three receptions for 44 yards and a highlight-worthy touchdown. Gee Scott Jr. also played a role in the passing game with a lone reception for a much-needed 34 yards.

On the Wildcats’ side, their quarterback, Jack Lausch, has played much better than most expected, completing 9-of-14 attempts for 105 yards and adding another 25 yards on the ground including a rushing touchdown. Following are the three most notable observations from the first half.

Welcome home Carnell Tate

Carnell Tate has been a little bit of the forgotten man in this receiver room with the emergence of freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, but today he looked like the first option. The Chicago product currently leads Ohio State with three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Wrigley Field is a stage

Ohio State vs Northwestern is underway at Wrigley Field! pic.twitter.com/iBrdLyOIVt

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024

There was very little doubt that the Buckeye faithful would take over Wrigley Field, but we finally have proof. Northwestern is a huge underdog today, but regardless, this game is pretty meaningful because of the historical significance of Wrigley Field.

To spread the love

We already know that the Ohio State receiver room is devastating, but Will Howard has done a great job of spreading the rock and slowly picking this Wildcat defense apart. Howard connected with five different players in the first half.

Contact/follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinions. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Halftime Observations