Northwestern had just kicked a field goal to cut Ohio State's lead to four. Urban Meyer's offense was doing nothing and boos were cascading throughout Ohio Stadium.
With 3:31 remaining, the Buckeyes needed a drive to put the game away. Ohio State converted a 3rd-and-8 on their own 27 to keep the drive going, but two plays later, ran into another 3rd-and-long. Stumble here and the Wildcats offense – which had carved up the Buckeye secondary for most of the afternoon – would be back on the field, with plenty of time to score and steal an upset.
On this 3rd-and-10 with 1:57 on the clock, Meyer opted for a quarterback draw. Wide receiver Noah Brown took out two defenders, paving the way for J.T. Barrett to run for 35 yards and salt the win away.
Barrett kept the play inbounds, and the Buckeyes were able to move into victory formation to clinch the 24-20 win. But it would not have happened had Brown not stepped up.
Brown's first victim was Wildcat cornerback Montre Hartage. Brown is blocking the whole way, but the wide receiver took Hartage out of the play by running a crisp route first, breaking it off after six yards and sending the defender to the turf.
Hartage's slip was a bonus because the play is designed for Brown to crack back on the safety, leaving the corner open for a one-on-one showdown with Barrett.
About that safety...
Godwin Igwebuike is one of Northwestern's best defenders. But he had no chance on this play with Brown bringing the hammer to spring Barrett.
Boom.
Let's take a look at that play from another angle:
With the corner on the turf and the safety collapsed by Brown, Barrett had nothing in front of him but green. Two Mike Weber runs and a couple of kneel downs later, the game was over.
When it mattered the most, the sophomore who has been Ohio State's most dependable wide receiver this season, stepped up.
