Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Preview & Prediction

The Northern Illinois Huskies (2-0) have defeats of UNLV and Murray State on their resume this year, but they'll be taking the biggest step up in competition they possibly can on Saturday when they travel to face the defending national champion and #1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) in Columbus. Can the Huskies possibly pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent college football history? Here's our Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Preview & Prediction.

Line: Ohio State by 34

What's The Stakes?

Northern Illinois' entire football program would take two or three giant steps forward with a win. Don't underestimate just how that banner win would look when ever UNI finds itself up for examination when the Power Five conferences inevitably look to expand again (and again). For Ohio State, this would be just another notch on the belt for the Buckeyes in their quest for a repeat.

Key To The Game:

Northern Illinois quarterback Drew Hare has thrown for 718 yards and six touchdowns in the Huskies first two games. He'll be in an entirely different world against the Ohio State pass rush. Any and all chances for Northern Illinois to keep the final margin within a couple scores rest on Hare's shoulders. If he can somehow approximate his production from the first two weeks, UNI will acquit themselves decently.

What They're Saying About The Ohio State Buckeyes:

Braxton Miller to throw against Northern Illinois?

Will Ohio State cover the spread?

Buckeyes still searching for Devin Smith's replacement

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Northern Illinois 14

Northern Illinois is a solid underdog betting play here because they're better than Vegas oddsmakers think they are, but that's not going to matter. Ohio State's headed to 3-0 and will add some worthwhile tape to the 2015 highlight reels of Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott and the rest of the crew.