Big Ten Football

No. 4 Ohio State made a final statement to the College Football Playoff selection committee Saturday with a 22-10 victory over No. 14 Northwestern in the 2020 Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Buckeyes, who've been a hot topic of conversation since they entered championship week with just five games played compared to at least eight for all the other serious CFP contenders, will likely be hard to leave out of the playoff field given their 6-0 record and conference title win over a ranked opponent.

Back to Back to Back to Back 🏆🏆🏆🏆#GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/KHKkKxJCEM

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 19, 2020

Northwestern reached the Big Ten Championship for the second time in three years to highlight the program's continued growth under head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The Wildcats' quest for their first conference title since 2000, and first outright title since 1995, continues, though.

              

Notable Performances

QB Justin Fields (OSU): 12-of-27 for 114 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT; 35 rushing yards

QB Peyton Ramsey (NU): 24-of-37 for 224 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT; 44 rushing yards

RB Trey Sermon (OSU): 331 rushing yards, 2 TD

RB Cam Porter (NU): 61 rushing yards, 1 TD

WR Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (NU): 103 receiving yards

K Blake Haubeil (OSU): 3-of-4 FGs, 10 points

            

Sermon Saves Day As Fields Struggles Amid Key Absences

Ohio State announced shortly before kickoff it would be without 22 players, including star wide receiver Chris Olave, in the title game. The school didn't provide details about absences, but ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported the program registered multiple positive COVID-19 test results this week.

The result of the lineup shuffling was the Buckeyes' least explosive performance of the season. They entered the contest averaging 46.6 points with at least 38 in each of their five games.

🚨 RECORD BREAKER 🚨

cc: @treyera 👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/2NANSORTBC

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 19, 2020

Fields looked out of sync with his receivers for most of the day without Olave available. His second interception of the game was a direct result of a miscommunication with Jameson Williams about the route that was being run early in the third quarter.

The only time Ohio State was able to find consistent success is when it kept the ball on the ground, and the coaching staff finally started pounding the ball on the ground late in the third quarter down 10-6.

Sweet angle of that @treyera @OhioStateFB run. 👀 pic.twitter.com/6bhIkn1t9j

— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) December 19, 2020

OSU embarked on a seven-play, 71-yard touchdown drive to take the lead. All seven calls were runs, highlighted by a 33-yard scamper by Sermon, who also scored the TD on a nine-yard run.

Feed Trey. 🍴
Trey does work. 😤

Trey Sermon (@treyera) gives No. 4 @OhiOStateFB its first lead.#B1GFCG pic.twitter.com/awRjbqbR9k

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 19, 2020

Although the Buckeyes are never going to abandon the pass completely with Fields directing the aerial attack, Saturday was an example of almost waiting too long to alter the game plan. The running game was far more successful in the title game and should have become the focal point earlier in the contest.

Sermon came to the rescue, but the fact Ohio State survived the upset shouldn't be lost on the staff as it begins planning for a likely spot in the national semifinals. It's OK to lean heavily on the rushing attack and offensive line to carry the unit.

There goes @treyera 😤@OhioStateFB marches it down the field to extend their lead in the 4th quarter pic.twitter.com/INlH4Qvos6

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 19, 2020

That said, Fields is going to need more efficient performances in the playoffs if the Buckeyes are going to capture a championship. A more healthy roster would certainly help his cause.

              

Defense Provided NU With Serious Upset Opportunity

The anatomy of any major upset usually involves a couple of turning-point plays defensively, and the Wildcats were able to get those with a pair of interceptions off Fields.

Northwestern also didn't allow the dynamic Ohio State offense to find the end zone until late in the third quarter, coming up with several crucial stops in the red zone to force field-goal attempts.

WHAT A PICK 🤯@NUFBFamily's @BrandonJoseph_1 snatched it out of the air with one hand! pic.twitter.com/6bNAsaLl9r

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 19, 2020

It always felt like the Wildcats were one big offensive scoring drive away from truly turning the game in their favor, though.

Most notably, they were up by four when they picked off Fields five minutes into the third quarter. A time-consuming touchdown drive there could have changed the game's entire dynamic. Instead, it was a three-and-out that saw them lose nine yards.

😤 @NUFBFamily takes it right back! pic.twitter.com/89EpvtrVxa

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 19, 2020

That wasn't the only chance for NU to take a firm grip on the game, but it was the most notable as the underdogs failed to score any points in the second half.

Cameron Mitchell, Brandon Joseph and the rest of the Wildcats defense still deserve a lot of credit for keeping Ohio State on upset alert all afternoon, though.

            

What's Next?

The College Football Playoff selection show is set for Sunday at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN. After the CFP teams are finalized, the other bowl games will begin announcing their participants, as well.

Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman announced Saturday that Bret Bielema has been hired as the head football coach for the Fighting Illini.

Bielema, an Illinois native, released a statement after signing a six-year contract with a yearly salary of $4.2 million:

"Illinois and the Big Ten is home for me, and I can't be any more excited about the opportunity in front of me with the Fighting Illini. We want to build a program that makes Illini Nation proud and regain the passion that I've seen when Illinois wins. We want the young men playing football in the state of Illinois from Freeport to Cairo and from Quincy to Danville dreaming of wearing the Orange and Blue and playing at Memorial Stadium. I look forward to re-connecting with the high school coaches around the state making it clear we intend to keep our players home.

"We will build an outstanding staff for both player development and recruiting. The University of Illinois has incredible facilities and is known as one of the world's outstanding academic institutions. We will hold the young men on our team responsible both on and off the field while coaching them to be champions in life. Jen and I, along with our girls, are excited to get to Champaign-Urbana and get started on the journey. Go Illini!"

Bielema arrives at Zuppke Field with 12 years of head coaching experience at the Power Five level.

The 50-year-old former University of Iowa defensive lineman led Wisconsin from 2006 through 2012 before taking over at Arkansas in 2013. He led the SEC's Razorbacks until 2017.

He compiled a 97-58 record (.626 winning percentage)—68-24 with the Badgers and 29-34 with the Hogs—and his teams qualified for nine bowl games, including a pair of Rose Bowl appearances for UW.

Bielema spent the past three years in the NFL, working on the New England Patriots staff in 2018 and 2019 before becoming the New York Giants' outside linebackers coach. He spent 12 years as an assistant at the collegiate level before his first head coaching gig.

Whitman stated that wealth of experience will put the Illini back on a winning track:

"Bret Bielema is a proven winner. With three Big Ten championships to his credit, few coaches can match his familiarity with, and success within, the Big Ten Conference. In our conversations, it became clear to me that he is a life-long learner who is continually looking to grow and improve, and he has enjoyed unrivaled mentorship from some of the game's most distinguished coaches, including Hayden Fry, Kirk Ferentz, Bill Snyder, Barry Alvarez, and Bill Belichick—all of them current or future Hall of Famers.

"Importantly to me, Bret, a native of our great state, grew up an Illini fan and is committed to seeing the football program at our state's flagship grow and prosper. Bret's blue collar work ethic and genuine, authentic manner will allow him to form strong connections to his players and staff and positive relationships in our community and our state. These qualities, combined with his commitment to education and his track record of success, give me great confidence in his leadership of our football program."

Illinois hasn't finished with a winning record since 2011 under Ron Zook and Vic Koenning, which is also the last year it won a bowl game. Former NFL head coach Lovie Smith had led the program since 2016, but the team went 17-39 with just one bowl appearance.

Bielema's work must begin immediately because the Illini ranked last in the Big Ten in recruiting for 2021 following the early signing period, per 247Sports.

The program is seeking its first conference title since 2001.

Iowa announced head football coach Kirk Ferentz has tested positive for COVID-19 in a release sent out Friday.

The Hawkeyes' season-ending game against Michigan was already canceled amid a COVID-19 outbreak for the Wolverines. 

It is unclear if Ferentz will coach in Iowa's bowl game. The Big Ten requires a 10-day quarantine period for coaches who test positive, which would keep Ferentz out into the bowl season. Iowa is likely to play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Dec. 30, making Ferentz eligible to return by then.

The Hawkeyes went 6-2 in the regular season and were one of three schools (Penn State and Rutgers) to play eight games in 2020. Ferentz has led Iowa to eight straight winning seasons, and this will be the school's 18th bowl appearance of his tenure.

"We have been fortunate this season to have played eight games and to have very few positive cases," Ferentz said in a statement. "When the team returns to practice on Tuesday, I will participate via Zoom and our collective focus will be on preparing for the bowl game."

Five Big Ten coaches (Wisconsin's Paul Chryst, Purdue's Jeff Brohm, Mayland's Mike Locksley and Ohio State's Ryan Day) have had confirmed positive COVID-19 tests during the 2020 season. 

Much of the discourse surrounding the Ohio State Buckeyes in the last few weeks has revolved around their College Football Playoff credentials. 

Ryan Day's team has a chance to put its critics to rest on Saturday if it beats the Northwestern Wildcats in commanding fashion in the Big Ten Championship Game. 

Ohio State played the fewest games of any playoff contender, but when it has taken to the gridiron, it has impressed with its dynamic offense. 

Quarterback Justin Fields does not have a Heisman Trophy to play for, but he can win his second straight Big Ten title and set up a national semifinal showdown with one of the nation's premier programs. 

Northwestern put together a solid 6-1 season to win the Big Ten West, but it is in a difficult spot to attempt to land the Big Ten West's first-ever Big Ten Championship Game victory.

             

Big Ten Championship Game Info

Date: Saturday, December 19

Start Time: Noon ET 

TV: Fox

Live Stream: FoxSports.com or Fox Sports app

     

Preview

Saturday marks the second time in three years in which Ohio State and Northwestern are facing off in the Big Ten Championship Game. 

In 2018, the Buckeyes used strong outings from current NFL players Dwayne Haskins, J.K. Dobbins and Terry McLaurin to win 45-24. 

Wide receiver Chris Olave is one of the few holdovers from that game. He caught a touchdown pass from Haskins in the third quarter of that victory.

Olave and Garrett Wilson form one of the better receiver duos in the country, as they both have over 30 receptions, 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers are impressive considering Ohio State's five games played. 

Fields needs to get both players involved early. An accurate passing attack may open rushing lanes later in the game as the Wildcats look to contain the pass.

Pat Fitzgerald's team allows 192 passing yards per game and 121.9 rushing yards per contest. If Ohio State can open up the passing lanes, it could negate the pass rush and secondary play that got the Wildcats to this stage. 

The best way to open up Northwestern's rushing defense could be inside the red zone, with Fields, Master Teague III and Trey Sermon bruising through the lines. The trio combined for 12 rushing scores. 

If Fields and Co. thrive like they have in every game this season, Ohio State's main concern will be its defensive play. 

At times, the Buckeyes have not looked like a Top Four team. For example, they allowed the Indiana Hoosiers to score 28 second-half points to make the November 21 matchup a one-score game. 

Northwestern's offense is not as dynamic as Indiana's, but it can methodically move the ball down the field with former Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey at the helm.

Ramsey has a pair of receivers with 30 receptions and over 300 receiving yards to work with, and he is one of six players with more than 100 rushing yards. 

While the Wildcats have some nice offensive pieces, they do not have the dynamic playmakers that Ohio State possesses. 

Ohio State's ability to strike fast for scoring plays that flip the momentum in its favor could be the biggest difference on Saturday afternoon. 

If the Buckeyes play up to their abilities, they could secure one of the four playoff positions.

           

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from ESPN.com.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have sat atop the Big Ten for most of the 2020 college football season, but their status in the Big Ten Championship Game was in doubt until last week. 

Because of a few game cancellations, the Buckeyes were under the six-game threshold set by the league at the start of the regular season.

The conference altered that ruling so the Buckeyes could make the trip to Indianapolis with five games played.

The Northwestern Wildcats were luckier with their schedule, as they played seven games. But they do not have a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff because of their loss to the Michigan State Spartans. 

Despite playing five games, Ohio State is in good shape to qualify for the playoff, and it is projected to have an easy time with Northwestern based off the 21-point spread in its favor.

         

Big Ten Championship Game Info

Date: Saturday, December 19

Start Time: Noon

TV: Fox

Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app

Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): Ohio State (-21); Over/Under: 57.5

     

Prediction

Ohio State 49, Northwestern 21

Ohio State was not affected by a week off in between games during its last win over Michigan State.

Justin Fields and Co. made easy work of the Spartans, which is something Northwestern failed to do the week prior. 

Ryan Day's team rushed out to a 28-0 halftime lead and only conceded 12 points in what became its final tune-up for the Big Ten title game. 

Fast starts have become Ohio State's offensive trademark in 2020. The Buckeyes scored 136 first-half points in five games. 

If the Big Ten East winner follows that trend on Saturday, it would reverse its performance from a year ago. The Wisconsin Badgers held Ohio State to seven points and possessed a two-touchdown lead at halftime before the Buckeyes mounted a comeback.

An explosive first half led by Fields and his dynamic set of playmakers would neutralize Northwestern's defensive strengths and lead to a potential cover of the 21-point spread. 

A single Northwestern game has been decided by more than 20 points. That was its season opener against the Maryland Terrapins. 

After that, the majority of Wildcats games produced around 50 total points and were decided by one score. 

If that extends into Saturday, it would mean Pat Fitzgerald's team turned in a spectacular defensive performance and contained Fields for long stretches. 

Northwestern has the second-best scoring defense in the FBS, and it allows under 200 passing yards per game. 

The Wildcats have not faced an offense that is as dynamic as Ohio State's because of the lack of quality quarterbacks in the Big Ten West. 

Wisconsin's Graham Mertz is probably the best signal-caller they faced. Northwestern played two more games than Wisconsin when they met on November 21, and the freshman quarterback had plenty of difficulties in that contest. 

Fields is much more experienced and has been more consistent during his time in the Big Ten. In the 19 games he has played, Ohio State produced fewer than 30 points on two occasions. 

Northwestern has not reached the 30-point mark since its October 24 opener, and it does not have the firepower to keep up with Fields, if he gets off to another fast start. 

Since the Buckeyes have not been affected by the week off in between games this season, they should start well and create a gap that the Wildcats may not be able to close. 

             

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90

Statistics obtained from ESPN.com

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Jim Harbaugh's future in Ann Arbor is rightfully being questioned after Michigan's 2-4 record this season, the team's inability to win a Big Ten title during his tenure and his disappointing 0-5 record vs. Ohio State. 

One thing that can't be questioned, however, is that the Wolverines recruitment has been solid this year, with the team currently boasting the No. 9 class in the 2021 recruiting cycle, per 247Sports.com's Composite Rankings. 

While Ryan Zuke of MLive.com reported that "a few pledges, most notably 4-star receiver Xavier Worthy, 3-star cornerback Ja'Den McBurrows and 4-star linebackers Jaydon Hood and Branden Jennings are reportedly still considering other schools," Michigan is expected to maintain the majority of the group currently committed. 

Jennings looks like a safe bet to remain with the Wolverines, however.

"Branden is good (with his commitment)," Jenning's Sandalwood head coach, Adam Geis, told The Michigan Insider earlier in December (h/t Sam Webb of 247Sports.com). "He hasn't said anything to me other than Michigan, and we talk a lot. So, I think it's all Michigan unless Harbaugh ends up being the next head coach of the Jaguars or (something), which I guess you never know."

As for Worthy, Michigan fans likely weren't thrilled to see that the wideout retweeted the following Alabama posts:

Tomorrow we welcome the Next Wave!#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/TOy1yOYaQD

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 15, 2020

Do it all at BAMA! 🎓😎#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/JZOSRiv0Q4

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 13, 2020

It sure looks like Worthy—who has been committed to the Wolverines since July—will be flipping that decision and heading to Tuscaloosa. 

The possibility of losing any number of 4-star players isn't ideal. But as Zuke reported, "at least 17 commits are expected to ink their Letters of Intent Wednesday, dismissing the notion that the class would completely fall apart after the Wolverines' rocky 2020 season and no resolution on head coach Jim Harbaugh's contract."

One positive sign for Wolverines fans is that the incoming group already is close, as 3-star wideout Andrel Anthony told Zuke:

"That's pretty sweet considering like we've never really went to school together yet and we already feel like we're a family and we're that close. I mean, that's something great, going into a place that like you don't really know anybody but you just have people to relate to and stuff like that. I mean it really showed loyalty on our end too to the coaches, even though there are a lot of things out there that Harbaugh is going to leave."

Another is that the class is headlined by the No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2021 and the No. 22 player overall, 5-star passer J.J. McCarthy. He has enough upside and talent to potentially start for the Wolverines as a freshman and finally solidify a position that Harbaugh has struggled to develop during his time in Ann Arbor.

Expecting a freshman to come in and handle the pressure and adversity that comes with the territory in a program as visible as Michigan is a big ask. But McCarthy will immediately be the team's most talented quarterback. 

He isn't the only exciting talent coming through, however. The Wolverines currently have 11 4-star prospects committed and four top-100 talents in total, including Worthy (No. 76 recruit overall), offensive tackle Giovanni El-Hadi (No. 85 overall) and outside linebacker Junior Colson (No. 95). 

Even without Worthy, that's an impressive group, and one Wolverines fans should be excited about. Michigan may not keep all of its commits on Wednesday, but a talented group of players is coming through nonetheless. 

The University of Michigan officially announced the cancellation of Saturday's football game at Iowa because of a COVID-19 outbreak among players. 

"In accordance with the Big Ten COVID-19 medical policies and health guidelines, we are without a significant number of players for this week's game," athletic director Warde Manuel said. "Couple that with the normal attrition due to injury, and we do not have enough available players at multiple position groups to field a team at Iowa."

Michigan had to cancel last week's game against Ohio State because of the coronavirus. Manuel said the outbreak has worsened, leading to the decision to call off the team's regular-season finale.

"The number of positive tests over the past three weeks, which require a 21-day unavailability period, and the contact tracing requirements associated with those numbers has pushed our current list of unavailable student-athletes to over 50," Manuel said. "This is a very unfortunate situation, and we are disappointed that our program will not be able to finish the season against the Hawkeyes."

Michigan concludes its 2020 regular season with a 2-4 record, the program's first losing one under Jim Harbaugh. While there is no win requirement for bowl games this season, it appears unlikely the Wolverines would accept an invitation given the current state of their program.

The focus may now shift to the future of Harbaugh, who is on the hot seat amid a continued failure to return the Wolverines to national title contention. Harbaugh's teams have finished no better than 10th in the final AP rankings and have won only one bowl game in his six seasons.

Rumors have also persisted about Harbaugh potentially getting ahead of his own firing by leaving Michigan for the NFL. 

The 2020 All-Big Ten football team was announced Tuesday, with Ohio State's Justin Fields leading the squad in this abbreviated season. 

The media and coaches both named Fields to the All-Big Ten first team along with running backs Tyler Goodson from Iowa and Mohamed Ibrahim from Minnesota:

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚: pic.twitter.com/Yh6oFwV19y

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 15, 2020

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬: pic.twitter.com/QGwFnfn3y2

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 15, 2020

In addition to headlining the first-team offense, Fields was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year:

🚨 A HUGE #B1GFootball 👏🏻 to the 2020 Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year AND Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year 🏆
All eyes will be on @justnfields as he and @OhioStateFB head to Indianapolis for the #B1GFCG this Saturday 🔥pic.twitter.com/GRqUWtTi1z

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) December 15, 2020

Fields is an obvious choice for each of those accolades.

The Ohio State star leads the conference with a 78.1 completion percentage, 15 passing touchdowns, a 196.1 passing efficiency rating and 10.3 yards per attempt. He also finished fourth with 1,407 yards in just five games. 

There was some disagreement between the coaches and media in the voting. The media named Indiana breakout star Ty Fryfogle and Purdue's David Bell as its two first-team wide receivers, but the coaches voted Ohio State duo Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson in those spots. 

Fryfogle posted back-to-back 200-yard games against Ohio State and Michigan State as well as 142 yards against Michigan. Bell led the conference with eight touchdown catches. 

Wilson and Olave rank fourth and sixth in receiving yards, and both are tied for sixth with five touchdown catches. 

Fields and the rest of his Buckeyes teammates will have a chance to make one more statement Saturday when they take on Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game. A win would likely send No. 4 Ohio State to the College Football Playoff.