Northwestern ends 33-year losing streak vs. Ohio State

[Kori Ellis]

Northwestern ends 33-year losing streak vs. Ohio State
Oct. 3, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefoo...041002_OHST@NW

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Noah Herron scored on a 1-yard run in overtime and had two other touchdowns, and Northwestern backed up its pregame trash talk with a 33-27 upset victory over No. 7 Ohio State on Saturday night.

The victory was Northwestern's first over Ohio State (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) since 1971, snapping the Buckeyes' 24-game winning streak in the series and handing them their first loss in Evanston since 1958.

"Thirty-four years was long enough," said Northwestern coach Randy Walker, an Ohio native.

After Herron broke through the Buckeyes at the goal line, the Wildcats (2-3, 1-1) piled on him in the corner of the end zone and Northwestern students ran onto the field, turning it into a purple mosh pit. Students partied on the field for about 15 minutes, and several students climbed on the north goal post, trying to bring it down. They were unsuccessful, but that hardly put a damper on the party.

It was Northwestern's first victory over a top 10 team since beating then-No. 7 Wisconsin in double overtime in Madison on Sept. 23, 2000.

"I wouldn't have requested to be at the end of (the streak)," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "But we are. Unfortunately, that's the case. We have to start trying to get better, starting tomorrow."

Ohio State has made it a habit of pulling out the close wins, winning 13 of its past 15 games that were decided by seven points or less. The Buckeyes beat Marshall earlier this season on Mike Nugent's field goal as time expired, and Nugent tied a school record with five field goals to beat North Carolina State two weeks ago.

[scott]

How 'bout them Buckeyes, Joe!!!

[exstatic]

Joe Chalupa is weeping in his cornflakes this morning.