A Big Ten matchup between the No.2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats appears to be greatly impacted by some insane gusts of winds on Saturday at Northwestern’s Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois.
A viral video emerged on social media before kickoff showing Ohio State kicker Noah Ruggles kicking into the wind and having the ball completely die on him on around a 45-yard kick.
The wind for Ohio State vs Northwestern 😳
pic.twitter.com/TbdpUarVbg— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 5, 2022
Weather reports reveal that there are 25 miles per hour winds, with gusts blowing up to around 50 miles per hour.
Rain also came into play in the second quarter, which appears to be something that Northwestern is welcoming in this game.
Rain has joined wind gusts of 50 mph in Evanston for the Ohio State-Northwestern game. 🏈🌧️🌬️ pic.twitter.com/vP3nRP9jrt
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 5, 2022
Through one half of football, the weather appeared to make a huge impact on the game.
Ohio State Buckeyes star quarterback C.J. Stroud has struggled mightily in the game, only recording 46 yards passing on the game in the first half.
The wind and rain has also greatly impacted Northwestern’s game plan offensively, with only six passes attempted in the game thus far compared to 31 rushing attempts.
Coming into the game the over/under for the game was 55.5 points. It certainly looks like this game will sail under due to these less-than-ideal conditions, with the game sitting at a 7-7 tie at the half.
Many have taken to social media to express just how much of a difference-maker the wind appears to be in this game.
in Ohio State-Northwestern the punts going into the wind look like they hit a brick wall in mid-air, and the punts going with the wind go like pic.twitter.com/l8WFdTRYjf
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) November 5, 2022
It's still early, but the question has been asked: would this be biggest upset in Ohio State history? And how does wind impact that answer?
— Rob Oller (@rollerCD) November 5, 2022
The wind is a fair excuse for CJ Stroud, but Ohio State isn’t blocking and tackling like a No. 2 team in the country needs to right now
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) November 5, 2022
If tomorrow’s wind is anything like it is in this Ohio State/Northwestern game, good luck to any passing/kicking game tomorrow for the #Bears or Dolphins.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) November 5, 2022
The weather and wind for the Ohio State vs Northwestern game is BRUTAL.
30 MPH wind with rain coming in the forecast. OSU down 7-0 & they’re one weakness on offense is running the ball. pic.twitter.com/OBvWdDp8Pf
— Skubie Mageza (@SkubieMageza) November 5, 2022
This game could be disastrous for Ohio State, who has some real aspirations for a potential College Football Playoff spot moving forward.
It is clear that offense is going to be hard to come by in this game. The Buckeyes will need to rely on their defense to avoid a potential upset in this matchup.
[The Comeback on Twitter; photo from The Columbus Dispatch, via USA Today Sports]
