Carnell Tate starred for Ohio State in their 31-7 win at Wigley Field in Chicago. It was a homecoming for Carnell Tate as he grew up close to Wigley Field. Tate scored two touchdowns for the Buckeyes and had a career day as he was the major scoring force. Tate, the third wide receiver for Ohio State is usually overshadowed by the top two options at wide receiver for the Buckeyes, Emeka Egbuka and Jerimiah Smith. Carnell Tate is the best third wide receiver in the country.
Despite Tate’s big game, and the stadium being well-prepared, there are some big problems with playing football games at baseball stadiums like Wigley Field. Ohio State is now preparing for its big showdown with Indiana at home on November 23.
Carnell Tate and His Big Day
Carnell Tate had a big homecoming, as he grew up in Chicago mere miles from Wigley Field. In total Tate had four catches for 52 yards with a long of 25 yards which he got on a beautiful touchdown reception, one of his two. He has established himself as a viable receiving option for Ohio State. This is Tate’s second big game in a row. He has officially arrived and Ohio State has an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver.
Problems with Hosting a Football Game at Wigley Field
Even though the field looked great and held up pretty well, Ohio State was lucky to escape this game relatively unscathed. There are a few problems with using Wigley Field, a baseball stadium, as a football stadium. Northwestern did that because their home field, Ryan Field, is under construction.
There are three major problems with using Wigley Field as a football stadium. First, a problem with using all baseball stadiums is the amount of turf that needs to be placed over the dirt. That turf held up fairly well yesterday but has been a concern in the past with turf tearing up and players having unsure footing. Second, and more specific to Wigley, is the unforgiving brick walls. They put pads on the walls, but those pads are of little effect. Third, Wigley is small, and rather than use the locker room at halftime Ohio State used the visitor’s bullpen.
Showdown Looming With Indiana
Ohio State now has a huge game at home with Indiana on November 23. That sounds funny, but Indiana is 10-0 and currently ranked No. 5 by the College Football Playoff committee. At stake in this game is a high ranking and a spot in the conference championship game against, likely, Oregon, which is currently ranked first by the CFP committee. Ohio State defeated Penn State and would very much like another shot at Oregon, who defeated the Buckeyes 32-31 to give them their only loss. The game may be the most important in Indiana football history.
Northwestern Game Notes
There are several important notes. First, Ohio State outgained Northwestern 420-251 yards, far from the statistical dominance they are accustomed to. Second, Tyliek Williams, a key defensive tackle for Ohio State, returned to the lineup after missing the game with Purdue.
Third, Ohio State had a slow start and failed to score on its first drive for the first time this season. Fourth, Ohio State converted a fourth down on its first possession of the game and did not score a touchdown, for only the second time this season. Fifth, Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka caught two passes, which extended his pass-catching streak to 35 games. Finally, Jeremiah Smith, a freshman wide receiver, had his third career 100-yard receiving game.
Scoring Summary
There was a scoreless first quarter, in what had to be considered a victory for Northwestern. After Northwestern scored, Ohio State scored three touchdowns to take a 21-7 lead at halftime. Northwestern Quarterback Jack Lausch scored a touchdown and Quinshon Judkins scored twice for Ohio State. Then Carnell Tate caught his first touchdown pass of the game. Ohio State scored ten unanswered points in the third quarter. Carnell Tate caught his second touchdown pass of the game and Jayden Fielding kicked a field goal. That field goal gave Ohio State a 31-7 lead. There was no scoring in the fourth quarter, so 31-7 was the final score.
Conclusion
Carnell Tate had a great game in his homecoming in Chicago at Wigley Field. Carnell Tate is the best third wide receiver in the nation. Northwestern played well, but Ohio State was able to move the ball. It was unsatisfactory to have a football game at a baseball stadium, and Ohio State was lucky to escape the game with only an injury to Tight End Gee Scott. Since Ohio State rarely throws the ball to its tight ends, if Scott is out for an extended period it will not hurt them.
Ohio State now looks forward to a showdown at Ohio Stadium on November 23 with Indiana. A top ranking, a first-round College Football Playoff bye, and a Big Ten Championship all hang in the balance. There was a chance Ohio State would look past this game, but that did not happen.
