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End Zone: OSU Buckeyes: 10-03

Eggheads from Northwestern will not challenge to OSU's national-best 17-game winning streak.

10/2/2013
BY DAVID BRIGGS
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
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  • I must admit, I don't think these eggheads from Northwestern will pose a challenge to Ohio State's national-best 17-game winning streak.

    No, they pose the challenge.

    On the fifth day of October, pigs will fly, dogs will drive, and a blimp will float over Northwestern in the troposphere in between — beaming images to a national prime-time audience from the center of the football world. No. 4 OSU's trip to 16th-ranked NU is the biggest game in Evanston since 1995, and the Buckeyes' thickest test of the season.

    If OSU can bring down the Wildcats — its highest-ranked opponent of this year or last — the road to Pasadena shifts to the HOV lane.

    Here's what becomes likely: A second straight perfect regular season, a school-record 25 straight wins, and — barring no more than two BCS teams are unbeaten — a shot at the national title. The Buckeyes' only remaining top 25, regular season foe would be No. 19 Michigan in Ann Arbor.

    But gazing ahead is for Mr. Talking Head and Miss Cleo, not the team. First is a road trip in a 47,000-seat stadium expected to be one-third scarlet, one-third purple, and one-third electric. If the Buckeyes are national contenders, we will find out Saturday.

    Contact David Briggs at: dbriggs@theblade.com, 419-724-6084 or on Twitter @DBriggsBlade.