Before each Ohio State game, Eleven Warriors catches up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get his or her perspective on the Buckeyes' upcoming opponent.
Northwestern
Wildcats
This week, we're joined by Jacob Epstein, a student reporter at Northwestern who covers the Wildcats for the Daily Northwestern.
Ahead of the matchup at Wrigley Field, Epstein offered his thoughts on the fan experience one can expect this weekend, the job David Braun has done with this Northwestern team and why the Wildcats have had such difficulty moving the football.
David Braun pulled off one of the more remarkable coaching jobs I’ve seen in the league for a while last season in getting Northwestern bowl eligible. This year, it’s been a little bit tougher sledding. What do you make of the job Braun has done so far this year and how do you see his vision for the program playing out in future seasons?
Jacob Epstein: From a coaching standpoint, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. The Duke nonconference loss in double overtime was a real head scratcher, and Northwestern has strung together a few dismal performances in the Big Ten. Still, Braun seems to have the belief of the locker room. A repeat of last season’s late-year run was never in the cards with the elevated strength of schedule, but these final three games will be a good measure of the fight within this program.
It’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience for Ohio State fans to see a football game at Wrigley Field. Since I’d assume the majority of fans at the game will be OSU fans, what can fans planning on attending the game at Wrigley expect from a fan experience standpoint?
Epstein: There will be a lot of red in the stands, as is the norm when Northwestern plays Ohio State in Evanston. I’ve never attended a football game in Wrigley as a fan, but just being in the stands pregame has such a unique feel to it. It’s tough to describe, but Saturday should be an unbelievable experience for Buckeye fans.
The game obviously won’t be there, but I’m curious, what did you make of Northwestern’s temporary stadium by the lake and are you looking forward to it sticking around for one more season before the new stadium opens?
Epstein: The views during the daytime are simply unreal. Covering that first game in the temporary facility was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had as a reporter, and we had pretty ideal weather throughout the slate at Martin Stadium. Are there logistical issues with a stadium of that size hosting Big Ten football games? Of course. But, I’m looking forward to seeing how Northwestern builds upon the venue next season.
Northwestern’s offense is the worst in the Big Ten statistically, why have the Wildcats had so much trouble moving the ball this season?
Epstein: The offensive line has been struck by the injury bug, with starting center Jack Bailey and left guard Nick Herzog sustaining season-ending injuries. Add in growing pains with a first-year offensive coordinator in Zach Lujan and a first-time starter in redshirt sophomore quarterback Jack Lausch, and many of the issues are to be expected. The lack of a true No. 3 pass catcher has also been detrimental, and wide receiver Bryce Kirtz’s lingering injury exacerbates that problem.
The Wildcats’ run defense has been a bright spot this season, where on the front seven does Northwestern stand out the most?
Epstein: It’s tough to single out one or two spots because the defensive line has been a collective strength for Northwestern throughout the season. Redshirt sophomore edge rusher Anto Saka is certainly one to watch on passing downs. Fresh off a career-high three tackles for loss, Jaylen Pate has also shown flashes on the defensive line.
What are some things Northwestern can do to give itself a chance to play a competitive game against the Buckeyes?
Epstein: Find ways to get pressure on Will Howard. There’s no way Northwestern can compete in a shootout, so throwing the Ohio State offense off schedule will be crucial. Similar weather conditions to 2022 would also help. But, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Finally, how do you envision this game going and do you have a score prediction?
Epstein: Northwestern will have no answers for the powerhouse that is No. 2 Ohio State. 45-6 OSU.
