Final Thoughts for the Big Ten Championship Game
- It’s been a dominating run for Ohio State. Three-straight Big Ten Championships, now going for a fourth. After a slow start since the inception of the spectacle in Indy, the Buckeyes have been the dominant team. Wisconsin is tied with OSU with six appearances, but the Bucks own the most titles with four. Will that be five after today?
- I want to believe Northwestern can make this a game, but I’m not so sure. You can have a chip on your shoulder and be motivated and all of that. However, when a far superior talent-laden team stands in the way, good luck.
- Count me as a big fan of Pat Fitzgerald. I love his press conferences, how honest he is, and what a sincere and genuine human being he appears to be.
- I wonder how Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren feels today?
- If Ryan Day leads Ohio State to the Big Ten title today and the Buckeyes head into the College Football Playoff, can the rest of the college football world get on board with him being one of the best coaches in the game?
- I can’t wait to see Justin Fields in the bright lights today. He seems to do his best work in those types of situations. Good luck Northwestern.
- Who will be out today for Ohio State? There are rumors that a star receiver and other key players might be out because of coronavirus protocols. Will it make a big difference?
- There are two strength on strength things I want to watch today. First, Northwestern wants to run the ball. Ohio State does a fantastic job thwarting opposing running attacks. Secondly, the Buckeyes will look to sling the ball around a little against one of the top-rated pass defenses in the country. Something has to give on both of those.
- If rumors are true, and Chris Olave is out, who steps up from that talented wide-receiver group? Is this the week we see more Julian Fleming? How about Jaxon Smith-Njigba? My money is on the latter, but you can’t also forget about Mookie Cooper, Gee Scott, Jr., or — how about Jameson Williams?
- Will Ohio State look to run the ball even more in this one because of Northwestern’s pass defense, or will Ryan Day open things up still? You don’t change who you are at this point right?
- Don’t worry Buckeye fans, Justin Fields is healthy and in this game. Ohio State shared a picture of him boarding the plane with a smoothie in hand. He won’t be one of the players listed as “unavailable.”
- I like the Big Ten Championship Game being in Indianapolis, but I often wonder if there’s another venue or two where this thing could be moved around? What about indoor venues in Minneapolis and Detroit, or even — Chicago outdoors? Nah.
- If — somehow, someway, Ohio State loses this game, it would be one of the most disappointing seasons of all-time with the efforts put out there to get things ramped up during a global pandemic.
- Let’s have some fun! Go Bucks!
Ohio State vs. Northwestern Big Ten Championship Game preview central
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